《I, Am a Living Yama; Empress Advises Me to?Stay?Calm》 Chapter 2 - Mixing sand into disaster relief grain? That guys a traitor! Chapter 2: Mixing sand into disaster relief grain? That guy¡¯s a traitor!After the Poison Expert System is awakened, the host can accumulate Poison Expert Points by employing poisonous tactics that manipulate the emotions of those around them. These points are then redeemable in the system store, which boasts a diverse array of items. With sufficient Poison Expert Points, one could potentially achieve immortality or even ascend to the status of a revered ancestor. Yang Yi recognized an opportunity and boldly stepped forward, seeing a chance to accumulate a substantial amount of Poison Expert Points. The hall fell into an eerie silence as all eyes turned towards him. Among the onlookers, Li Yifu observed Yang Yi with a calm demeanor, while nearby officials displayed a range of reactions¡ªsome sneered, some sighed, some scoffed, and so forth. Wu Zhao, her expression complex, had not anticipated that the one to step forward would be the top scholar she had recently acknowledged. Among the seasoned courtiers, not a single newcomer in their early twenties dared to take such a bold step. In her hour of need, only Yang Yi had offered his service willingly, softening the Empress¡¯s icy heart. She paused for a moment before addressing him. ¡°Mr. Yang, your concern for the country is deeply appreciated. However, as a newcomer to the court, you lack experience in matters of disaster relief. Let us reconsider,¡± she advised, her words surprising the assembled court. Li Yifu¡¯s gaze narrowed slightly, a trace of envy surfacing. He hadn¡¯t expected that his oversight would pave the way for a young upstart to seize such an opportunity. Yang Yi¡¯s audacity had evidently won favour with the Emperor to the extent that His Majesty now exempted him from frontline duties. Yang Yi, who had unexpectedly gained favour without risking any danger, found himself in a fortunate position. The palpable envy from the onlookers weighed heavily on him amidst their scrutinizing gazes. But Yang Yi himself was confused. Was this some kind of joke? He had seized this opportunity to earn merit points, only for the Empress to initially deny him the chance? He hastily pleaded, ¡°The disaster is severe, and the people are suffering. I, your humble servant, I¡¯m wholeheartedly devoted to our country. I implore Your Majesty not to refuse¡­¡± S~?a??h the N?v?lFir?(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Empress Wu Zhao fell silent. She had never encountered such a loyal and patriotic subject before. Her reign was still young, and she lacked true confidants. Yang Yi, with his clean background and courage, could potentially become one of her trusted advisors. Her gaze softened. ¡°In that case, I will not stop you,¡± she declared. ¡°I appoint you as the Imperial Envoy for Disaster Relief in the Capital Region. The entire responsibility for disaster relief affairs in the Capital Region will be entrusted to you.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s heart leapt with joy, and he immediately replied, ¡°Your humble servant accepts the decree!¡± The court officials looked at each other in shock. Was the Emperor truly disregarding caution? Entrusting such a critical matter to a young and inexperienced envoy? However, none dared to voice objections. As long as someone else bore the responsibility, they were content to watch from the sidelines. The relationship between the Great Zhou Empire and the Great Tang were closely intertwined. Therefore, the administrative systems of the Great Zhou Empire bore many similarities to those of the Great Tang. In addition to the county system, the Great Zhou Empire introduced a provincial level of administration, establishing a three-tier system comprising province, state, and county. The areas most affected by flooding in the capital region included places like Zhengzhou. After receiving the Empress¡¯s decree, Yang Yi immediately mobilized the granaries and took charge of the disaster relief. ¡­ Ten days later, in the Great Zhou Empire, within the Qianyuan Temple. ¡°Strange, the Zhengzhou officials haven¡¯t requested grain in the past few days¡­¡± ¡°Could it be that the disaster situation in the capital region has eased?¡± ¡°Is this Yang Yi really capable?¡± Empress Wu Zhao pinched the monument in front of her, somewhat surprised. Lady Shangguan, standing beside her, poured a pot of hot tea for the Empress with a smile full of amusement. ¡°This is all thanks to Your Majesty¡¯s discerning eye,¡± Lady Shangguan remarked. Empress Wu Zhao raised her eyebrows. ¡°No need to flatter me.¡± ¡°But this Yang Yi, among other things, has some courage.¡± ¡°If he manages this situation well, I will certainly reward him.¡± ¡°, the entire court, both civilian and military, seems to wither in the face of a crisis¡­¡± ¡°With all the salaries I give them every year, and yet, in the end, a rookie has to handle this matter. Truly ridiculous.¡± Lady Shangguan stifled a smile. ¡°Nevertheless, Your Majesty has discovered a remarkable talent.¡± Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s elegant face revealed a faint smile. ¡°As long as he doesn¡¯t mishandle this matter too badly, even if he becomes the target of those corrupt officials, I will protect him.¡± ¡°Huh. It¡¯s rare for the Great Zhou Empire to produce an official with both courage and integrity.¡± Just then, urgent footsteps echoed through the hall. ¡°Your Majesty, Li Yifu, Minister of Finance, requests an audience. He claims there is an urgent report regarding the disaster¡­¡± A palace maid hurriedly entered. Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. She spoke in a stern tone. ¡°Let him in.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Moments later, Li Yifu rushed in with a grim expression. ¡°Your Majesty, there has been an incident in the capital region!¡± Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s heart sank. She demanded, ¡°What happened?¡± Li Yifu¡¯s eyes flashed with a hint of smugness, his expression turned serious. ¡°I report to Your Majesty that Zhengzhou and other regions have been severely affected by the disaster. Hundreds of thousands of starving victims have nothing to eat. The local granaries are badly damaged and unable to provide enough grain. That¡¯s why the court had to allocate relief grain. However, after Your Majesty appointed Yang Yi as the disaster relief envoy, this bold Yang Yi dared to mix sand into the high-quality relief grain. Undoubtedly, he embezzled some for himself. The food distributed to the victims was shamefully wasted, causing widespread public anger. His actions harm the country and its people, and tarnish Your Majesty¡¯s reputation¡­¡± ¡°What?!¡± Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes widened in shock. The man she had just praised as a remarkable talent had committed such an absurd act? Mixing sand into relief grain? Not only was he corrupt, but he was also sabotaging the very relief efforts meant to help the suffering populace. It was beyond greed¡ªit was sheer recklessness. ¡°You are truly the King of Hell incarnate!¡± Her heart sank. She could imagine that once those disaster victims received the grain mixed with sand, they would surely curse the court for its incompetence and curse her for being a confused ruler! Empress Wu Zhao gritted her teeth in anger. ¡°Where is this man¡¯s conscience? He¡¯s clearly a traitorous official!¡± Chapter 3 - Officials cant mix grain with sand! Solve the famine! Chapter 3: Officials can¡¯t mix grain with sand! Solve the famine!Wu Zhao¡¯s ample chest heaved unevenly. She struggled to calm herself, her head still buzzing. Those last fifty thousand catties of grain had been so shamelessly wasted by Yang Yi. she thought. Wu Zhao¡¯s vision darkened. She clenched her fist and spoke coldly, ¡°Immediately send someone to the capital region and bring this scoundrel back to us! Also, investigate the situation there thoroughly¡ªI want to know everything!¡± Li Yifu bowed respectfully. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Half a day later, news of Yang Yi¡¯s distribution of sand-mixed relief grain in Zhengzhou and other places spread like wildfire throughout the court! Countless people were stunned by Yang Yi¡¯s audacity! ! Wu Zhao¡¯s determination flared as she took decisive action. She clenched her fist, resolute in her pursuit of justice. The countless indictments piled up on her desk like snowflakes. Yang Yi¡¯s disaster relief scandal had become the talk of the court. ¡°Hey, Vice Minister Liu, I heard that the newly appointed top scholar caused some trouble?¡± ¡°Yes, you all know by now. That boy has some nerve.¡± ¡°Absolutely! Openly embezzling like that, he¡¯s done for.¡± ¡°, they say the officials in Zhengzhou and other places were stunned when they opened the grain.¡± ¡°Huh, even Empress Wu won¡¯t spare him this time.¡± ¡°Indeed, the repercussions of this disaster are significant. Our neighbouring countries are all watching. Now he¡¯s pulled this stunt, it¡¯s embarrassing.¡± ¡°Hah, embarrassment is one thing, but if he incites a peasant uprising, he¡¯s really finished. I always said that boy was trouble. He insisted on taking the lead, and look where it got him. Serves him right.¡± ¡°Indeed, lacking the ability yet still stirring up trouble¡ªnow he¡¯s made a complete fool of himself.¡± ¡­ Three days later. Hall of Political Affairs. Civil and military officials stood on either side. On the Dragon Throne, the Empress sat high and mighty, her authority unmatched. Her icy gaze fixed on a young figure standing in the hall. ¡°Yang Yi, there are accusations that you mixed sand into the disaster relief grain. Is this true?¡± The eyes of the crowd, a mixture of curiosity and amusement, were fixed on the upright youth. Yang Yi blinked calmly and replied, ¡°It is true.¡± Despite his recent travels and the dust clinging to his clothes, he still exuded an extraordinary aura. Many secretly nodded in agreement. Sure, the boy might be a bit greedy, but his demeanor was undeniably impressive. Wu Zhao clenched her delicate fist, and her sharp gaze seemed to pierce Yang Yi¡¯s very soul. How brazen of this scoundrel to admit it so boldly! The anger in her heart threatened to materialize. The Empress¡¯s voice cut through the tension: ¡°So, do you admit your guilt?¡± Yang Yi blinked. ¡°Admit guilt? I am innocent, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Innocent? You dare to claim credit?¡± Empress Wu Zhao retorted. The entire hall fell silent. Everyone stared at Yang Yi in disbelief, unbelievable. This young man had nerves of steel. Even at this critical moment, instead of crying and begging for mercy, he chose to provoke the Empress? He must think he hasn¡¯t lived long enough. Li Yifu shot a cold glance at Yang Yi, his voice dripping with contempt. ¡°Bold! You dare to deceive the imperial court. Even now, you refuse to confess? We have thoroughly investigated your adulteration of the relief grain. To adulterate relief grain and feed it to the people is an unforgivable crime. What credit could you possibly claim?¡± Yang Yi smiled mischievously. ¡°Minister Li¡¯s statement is only half true¡­¡± Li Yifu frowned in surprise. ¡°What do you mean?¡± He was a petty man. Although he hadn¡¯t clashed with Yang Yi directly, he had harboured some resentment when Yang Yi had stepped in to continue the disaster relief on his behalf. Now that he had an opportunity to strike back, he didn¡¯t want to miss it. Without looking at Li Yifu, Yang Yi bowed to the Empress. ¡°Your Majesty, although I did adulterate the relief grain with sand, there were extenuating circumstances. As for Minister Li¡¯s accusation of hoarding grain, it¡¯s completely unfounded.¡± His words hung in the silent hall. The courtiers exchanged puzzled glances. They had underestimated Yang Yi¡¯s audacity. Adulterating grain and claiming extenuating circumstances? Really? Censorship Inspector Liu Feng immediately stood up, spittle flying everywhere as he spoke. ¡°You scoundrel! As an imperial envoy, you adulterated relief grain and oppressed the disaster-stricken people. Your actions are despicable, and your excuses will not save you!¡± The rest of the crowd chimed in one by one. ¡°He is indeed corrupt, and now he¡¯s even trying to defend himself. Shameless!¡± ¡°At such a young age, he dares to be so brazen. What kind of future does he have?¡± ¡°He¡¯s squeezing the grain out of the disaster-stricken people. Is he even human?¡± ¡°At this point, he is still trying to justify himself. He deserves to die!¡± The courtroom became noisy for a moment. Several self-righteous censors stepped forward and angrily scolded Yang Yi. Li Yifu looked at Yang Yi with a half-smile. ¡°Still defiant even in the face of death?¡± Wu Zhao cast a cold glance at the bustling court, her expression tinged with disgust as she stared at the overzealous censors. ¡°Silence!¡± Her icy voice carried an indescribable authority, instantly quieting the hall. Wu Zhao¡¯s sharp eyes bored into Yang Yi, her suspicion obvious. ¡°You claim that you are not corrupt? Adding sand to the grain is justifiable? What is the explanation for this?¡± All eyes turned to Yang Yi. He took a deep breath and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he began, ¡°whether there has been corruption in the grain supply, it¡¯s best to send officials to check the situation in Zhengzhou and other regions. I wouldn¡¯t dare make unfounded allegations.¡± ¡°As for the sand in the grain, that was my strategy!¡± ¡°Strategy?¡± The officials looked stunned. Empress Wu Zhao furrowed her phoenix-like eyebrows, her expression puzzled. Li Yifu¡¯s heart sank; he had a bad feeling about this. Yang Yi continued, ¡°The entire fifty thousand catties of grain has been transported to the capital region. Without intervention, this pristine grain would probably be siphoned off layer by layer by officials. By the time it reached the disaster areas, little would be left. In such a scenario, how effective would disaster relief be?¡± Empress Wu Zhao nodded slightly, recalling why she had sent Yang Yi on this relief mission. ¡°So,¡± Yang Yi¡¯s voice remained clear, his gaze steady, ¡°I mixed sand into the grain. Those officials accustomed to fine grains won¡¯t be tempted when they see supplies mixed with sand. They¡¯ll discard them like worn-out shoes. After all, who would want to eat grain with sand in it?¡± ¡°But the disaster-stricken people are different. Their starved bellies care little about pebbles; as long as it fills their stomachs, what does it matter?¡± S~?a??h the N0v?lFire(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. ¡°In this way, all fifty thousand catties of grain will reach the hands of the hungry and alleviate the famine!¡± Chapter 4 - The Empress was stunned! A Brilliant Yet Ruthless Strategy! Chapter 4: The Empress was stunned! A Brilliant Yet Ruthless Strategy!Silence! The hall fell into a deadly silence. Everyone stared at Yang Yi, their scalps tingling and their expressions filled with shock. A prodigy! This strategy was simply unprecedented, even though it had a hint of sinister cunning. Li Yifu¡¯s eyes widened. How could he come up with this? Had they all been fooled by this young man¡¯s plan? Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes reflected astonishment. Her rosy lips almost couldn¡¯t close. Who would have thought that Yang Yi¡¯s sand-mixing measure was to prevent exploitation by corrupt officials? In retrospect, those pampered officials who were used to fine grains wouldn¡¯t be tempted by sand-laden provisions. This strategy was truly ingenious, even if it bordered on ruthlessness, and it burdened the famine-stricken people. But survival was their greatest blessing! Who among ordinary people could think of such a move? Empress Wu Zhao took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she looked at Yang Yi. ¡°So you really have made a contribution,¡± she said. Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°The disaster relief grain has been delivered to the affected areas. Aside from the corrupt officials, there were also well-fed wealthy households who pretended to be famine victims and tried to claim the relief grain. But with sand mixed into the grain, they won¡¯t be able to eat it¡­¡± ¡°In the beginning, there may be impostors claiming relief, but over time their numbers will dwindle. In this way, we can ensure that every grain of aid reaches the hands of the real victims¡­¡± The crowd listened in stunned silence. Who would have thought that sand would have this additional purpose? Li Yifu¡¯s face turned a shade of green and black. Now, Yang Yi¡¯s alleged corruption could be easily resolved with a simple investigation. More importantly, Yang Yi¡¯s action had solved the disaster and eased the people¡¯s suffering. That was the real priority. This was a demonstration of ability. Worst of all, didn¡¯t it make the ¡°old guard¡± look inadequate compared to a rising star like Yang Yi? The disaster relief efforts had been dragging on under Li Yifu¡¯s command, unable to resolve the crisis. He had even needed to ask the emperor for more grain. But when Yang Yi stepped in, he solved the problem effortlessly¡ªsuch a stark contrast. S?a?ch* Th? ??v?l_Fir?.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Empress Wu Zhao was stunned for a moment, then excitedly patted the dragon throne. ¡°Well done! No wonder the Capital Region has been quiet these days. You¡¯ve already dealt with the disaster situation. Yang Yi, you have earned great merit.¡± The gazes of those around Yang Yi immediately changed. No one had expected him to have such methods. His strategy was truly ingenious, skillfully manipulating the corrupt officials. ¡°I get it now. Yang Yi is truly inscrutable.¡± ¡°Yes. I always knew that he wasn¡¯t that simple.¡± ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s discerning eye is impressive.¡± ¡°Although this plan goes beyond conventional wisdom, if it solves the problem, it¡¯s a good strategy!¡± Many praised him, their eyes filled with awe as they looked at Yang Yi. Li Yifu¡¯s face flushed, each word of praise hitting him like a slap. Seething frustration bubbled up in his chest. ¡°Well¡­ Your Majesty, we shouldn¡¯t rely on his word alone,¡± Li Yifu blurted out, consumed by jealousy and anger. The hall fell silent. Many stared at Li Yifu in surprise, realizing that the Finance Minister seemed to have a bone to pick with Yang Yi. Although Yang Yi hadn¡¯t intentionally provoked Li Yifu, his effective handling of the disaster relief reflected poorly on Li Yifu. Empress Wu Zhao furrowed her brow and cast a cold glance at Li Yifu. Startled, Li Yifu suddenly realized that jealousy had clouded his judgement, leading to this unseemly outburst. Li Yifu felt a twinge of anger. But for a high-ranking official like him to admit a mistake? Impossible. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to speak. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that there is widespread discontent among the people in Zhengzhou and other regions. This may be true, but perhaps we should investigate thoroughly. We can¡¯t just rely on Yang Yi¡¯s report.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Those impostors who ate sand are naturally dissatisfied. But when Li Yifu speaks of widespread discontent, is he referring to the truly affected citizens or the opportunistic wealthy households and corrupt officials?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Li Yifu choked up, his face flushing with frustration. Just then, an attendant hurriedly entered. ¡°Your Majesty, urgent news from the capital region.¡± The room fell silent, all eyes on the attendant. Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°What happened?¡± The attendant handed over a crumpled piece of cloth, the writing faded and worn. ¡°The affected people in the Capital Region and beyond have heard that Commissioner Yang Yi is being escorted back to the capital. Their emotions are stirred, and they have gathered in large numbers to petition Your Majesty for justice on behalf of Commissioner Yang Yi¡­¡± A collective gasp went through the room as everyone stared at Yang Yi in shock. This young man had truly made an impact in the Capital Region; how else could he have garnered such widespread support? Li Yifu¡¯s face darkened. He had just mentioned the public sentiment survey, and now it had arrived! Damn it! This was a huge blow to his credibility. Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s own surprise mirrored that of the others. She looked at Yang Yi with newfound admiration. It seemed that Yang Yi had indeed performed admirably in the Capital Region. Thanks to his efforts, what could have been a disaster in handling the relief efforts had instantly turned into a heartwarming example of unity between officials and the people. It was truly a textbook case of disaster relief and rescue! Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s satisfaction with Yang Yi grew. She nodded slightly, her porcelain chin lifting. ¡°The people¡¯s feelings are clear. I¡¯ve seen it,¡± she said. ¡°Yang Qing, you have done well. I am pleased.¡± Yang Yi bowed. ¡°It is my duty, Your Majesty.¡± Envious and jealous glances followed Yang Yi. Having gained the Empress¡¯s attention, he was now firmly entrenched in her favour. Promotion and wealth were surely within his grasp. ¡­ The morning court session ended. Yang Yi prepared to leave. But then Lady Shangguan appeared in front of him. ¡°Master Yang, please wait. The Empress requests your presence¡­¡± Yang Yi blinked. The Empress wanted to see him? He glanced at the system, which showed a nearly thirty thousand point increase in his ¡°Toxicity¡± score. He nodded slightly. These days, the sand-mixing incident had significantly increased his toxicity score. He had planned to explore the system¡¯s shop, but now that the Empress had summoned him, he had no choice but to meet her. Only one question remained: What did the Empress want? Chapter 5 - Promotion! The Empress once again demands a strategy! Chapter 5: Promotion! The Empress once again demands a strategy!At Qianyuan Temple, Empress Wu Zhao awaited Yang Yi¡¯s arrival. The attendant announced, ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Hanlin has arrived¡­¡± Lady Shangguan bowed slightly. As the newly crowned top scholar, Yang Yi had rightfully been appointed as a compiler at Hanlin Academy. Addressing him as Yang Hanlin was quite appropriate. Behind the curtain, a graceful figure sat dressed in a robe adorned with faint golden dragon patterns¡ªa regal ensemble of red and gold. Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s magnetic voice echoed through the hall. ¡°Grant Yang Yi a seat¡­¡± An attentive palace maid promptly brought a stool. Yang Yi expressed his gratitude and sat down, his demeanor unflappable. In truth, he had only glimpsed the Empress from afar since his arrival in this world¡ªduring the palace investigation, to be exact. The historical empress fascinated him. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her admiration for Yang Yi evident. ¡°You handled the disaster relief exceptionally well¡ªcleanly and efficiently, with a unique approach,¡± she praised. ¡°Being confined to the Hanlin Academy is a waste of your talents. Why not work by my side?¡± Wu Zhao suggested. Yang Yi didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°As you wish¡­¡± Being close to the Empress was an opportunity he would not refuse. After all, she ruled the nation. Besides, spending every day with a bunch of old scholars at the Hanlin Academy was far from exciting. At the side of the Empress, he¡¯d at least find some excitement. Wu Zhao nodded slightly, her liking for Yang Yi growing. She admired his determined character. ¡°Starting tomorrow, report to Qianyuan Temple,¡± she instructed. ¡°I appoint you as the Central Minister to accompany me from now on.¡± Yang Yi immediately expressed his gratitude. ¡°Thank you for your favour, Your Majesty.¡± Promotion! The position of Central Minister was not an ordinary one; it involved drafting imperial edicts. Essentially, he was now the Empress¡¯s secretary. This was quite an opportunity. He didn¡¯t mind spending every day in the company of Empress Wu Zhao. After all, she was a beautiful ruler, and Yang Yi was willing to risk a little impropriety. Of course, Empress Wu Zhao was blissfully unaware of Yang Yi¡¯s thoughts. Otherwise, she might have taken a blade to the ambitious courtier! Leaning back in her chair, her long, shiny hair cascading down, she revealed a sharp, fair face. Her dark eyes looked at Yang Yi with a smile that hinted at amusement. The loose court dress she wore accentuated her ample brest, tracing a perfect curve. Her slender, pale fingers held a document. ¡°Relations between the Central Plains and the Turks are strained, especially with our Great Zhou,¡± she remarked. ¡°The Turks are considered neighbours of our Great Zhou, but this particular neighbour is not well-behaved. They are constantly harassing our borders.¡± ¡°Lately, they¡¯ve been crossing the border frequently¡­¡± Yang Yi nodded slightly. Even though he wasn¡¯t a military officer, he had some understanding of the situation. In this vast world, various countries such as Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming coexisted. Meanwhile, the Liao, Jin, Yuan, and other ethnic states gathered in the northern and western regions. Among them, the Turks were particularly active, sharing borders with both Tang and Zhou. The Turks had a penchant for raiding cities in the Central Plains¡ªa traditional skill, one might say. Empress Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her rosy lips curling slightly. ¡°The Turks are fierce fighters, and our Great Zhou has been plagued by natural disasters in recent years. We really can¡¯t afford to continue fighting them,¡± she continued. ¡°However, defeating the Turks, a nomadic northern tribe, will not be an easy task.¡± ¡°The Great Zhou needs time to recuperate and regain its strength, but war with the Turks is not a viable option. I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.¡± Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s searching gaze fell on Yang Yi. Her majestic and coldly beautiful face displayed a hint of anticipation. Yang Yi had already impressed her with his handling of the disaster relief, and now she hoped he might have a solution for the Turkish threat. However, she did not expect him to provide a satisfactory answer, given the complexity of the situation. Even powerful dynasties like Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming had struggled to find an effective resolution. Nevertheless, this was a crucial test for Yang Yi, one that could significantly influence his future status. Yang Yi blinked, considering the problem. He stroked his chin thoughtfully before speaking. ¡°Your Majesty, I have a method that could resolve the Turkish issue once and for all¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyebrows arched in surprise. ¡°You have a solution?¡± she asked, her eyes widening with amazement. Her lips, slightly parted, revealed a glimpse of her dainty tongue, momentarily distracting Yang Yi. He cleared his throat. ¡°Indeed, I have a plan.¡± Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s heart raced with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Was Yang Yi truly offering a brilliant strategy, or was he merely speaking in hopes of impressing her? Her curiosity was piqued. The Empress waved her hand. ¡°Everyone, leave us¡­¡± The palace maids promptly bowed and exited the hall, leaving only Lady Shangguan behind. As the Empress¡¯s closest female official, there was no need for her to withdraw. Though a woman, Lady Shangguan intellect and strategic insight were unparalleled, which was why she held such a prominent position. She regarded Yang Yi with keen interest, wondering what kind of strategy he might propose to resolve the Turkish issue. Empress Wu Zhao took a deep breath, calming herself, and turned her gaze back to Yang Yi. Her eyes reflected a mixture of curiosity, and a hint of anticipation. ¡°Minister Yang, please, elaborate on your plan¡­¡± S?a??h the N?v?lFir?(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 6 - The Evil Plan! Yang Yi truly is the King of Hell! Chapter 6: The Evil Plan! Yang Yi truly is the King of Hell!Yang Yi smiled and held up a finger. ¡°Actually, solving this matter is not difficult at all. Your Majesty just needs to understand why the Turks are coming south to plunder.¡± Wu Zhao and Lady Shangguan fell into deep thought. The Empress furrowed her phoenix-like brows and said slowly, ¡°The Turkish lands are barren and resources are limited. They covet our fertile central plains. Whenever their survival is threatened, they come to plunder our resources to feed themselves.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Yang Yi nodded in agreement. ¡°So, we just need to provide them with a stable living environment.¡± Lady Shangguan and Wu Zhao were stunned, their eyes filled with confusion. Lady Shangguan couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Minister Yang, what do you mean?¡± Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi in confusion, echoing Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s sentiments. Yang Yi met their gazes with a faint smile. ¡°The Turkic lands are barren, and they don¡¯t like farming. However, the area is suitable for raising cattle, sheep, and horses, so their livestock industry is thriving. Furs are an important trade commodity for them.¡± ¡°We can set up trading posts along the border between the Great Zhou and the Turks, where we can exchange our Central Plains specialties such as silk, tea, and porcelain for their cattle, sheep, and horses. In this way, we can create a complete chain of trade. The Turks will be able to obtain the necessary living materials through trade, so why would they need to start a war? Remember, war is also a waste of financial resources and results in population loss.¡± Upon hearing this, Wu Zhao suddenly understood. Her eyes widened in shock. So that¡¯s it! She fully comprehended Yang Yi¡¯s words. As long as there were trading posts like the ones Yang Yi described, wars would gradually decrease. After all, everyone desires a stable and peaceful life. No one wants to go to war. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s usually cold face showed a look of shock. She looked at Yang Yi with admiration. This Lord Yang is truly a genius. With just a few words, he solved a problem that the court officials couldn¡¯t. S?a??h the N0v?lFire(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Wu Zhao clenched her fists and felt invigorated. Her rosy lips pursed, and her dark eyes sparkled slightly. ¡°Lord Yang¡¯s words are truly enlightening. According to Lord Yang¡¯s plan, the Turks will be able to live peacefully for a long time. I will implement this strategy as the national policy of the Great Zhou. It is not difficult for our Great Zhou to set up trading posts on the border. As long as this strategy is implemented, our Great Zhou will be stable!¡± The Empress looked at her newly appointed strategist with great admiration. Compared to the court officials, they are nothing but useless gluttons. Yang Yi shook his head. ¡°Your Majesty has misunderstood. My strategy is not what you think¡­¡± Both of them looked confused. Wu Zhao¡¯s elegant phoenix-like brows furrowed slightly, her rosy lips almost forming a straight line, and a hint of confusion appeared in her majestic and cold phoenix eyes. ¡°Lord Yang, what do you mean?¡± The high and mighty, cold, and noble Empress showed such a girlish demeanor, causing Yang Yi¡¯s heart to flutter slightly. What a contrast. I wonder what this majestic empress is like in her private chambers? Yang Yi mused to himself. However, his expression remained serious. ¡°Your Majesty, what I meant was to solve the Turkish problem once and for all, not to live peacefully with them.¡± The hall suddenly fell silent. Shangguan Wan¡¯er and Wu Zhao exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other¡¯s eyes. It was only now that they realized their understanding of ¡°once and for all¡± was different from what Yang Yi meant. Wu Zhao was silent for a moment, then raised her phoenix-like eyes. ¡°So, what do you mean by ¡®once and for all¡¯ in dealing with the Turks?¡± Yang Yi held out his hand and made a cutting motion. ¡°Of course, it means cutting off the fate of the Turks, completely crushing the Turkish Khanate, and making the word ¡®Turk¡¯ disappear from this world, leaving it only in history books¡­¡± Silence! The hall was so quiet that the sound of their breathing could be heard. Wu Zhao¡¯s heart was shaken like a stormy sea. Her pale, slender hand involuntarily clenched into a fist, the veins faintly showing through her porcelain-like skin, revealing the Empress¡¯s inner excitement. Wu Zhao had certainly thought about crushing the Turks, but such thoughts were just fantasies in the middle of the night. Even the Tang Dynasty couldn¡¯t completely defeat the Turks, so how could their Great Zhou do it? But now, this newly appointed secretary of the Central Secretariat was telling her that he wanted to make the word ¡°Turk¡± disappear from the world, leaving it only in history books? Had it been anyone else, the Empress would have scoffed. However, Yang Yi¡¯s words made her feel a glimmer of hope, even though she knew it was harder than reaching the heavens. Wu Zhao thought for a moment. ¡°So, the strategy you just mentioned¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled slightly. ¡°This is part of the strategy, Your Majesty. I haven¡¯t finished yet.¡± ¡°Your Majesty, do you know what the situation will be like once this trade chain is established?¡± Wu Zhao raised her phoenix-like eyebrows slightly, pondering for a moment before tentatively asking, ¡°Interdependence between the two countries?¡± Yang Yi clapped his hands and laughed. ¡°Exactly, that¡¯s right. Economic exchange will create a supply and demand relationship between the two countries. Now, Your Majesty, imagine if the Great Zhou only bought sheepskins from the Turks at high prices. What would happen?¡± Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er were stunned and fell into deep thought. After a moment, Wu Zhao said hesitantly, ¡°Then the Turks would raise a large number of sheep, because sheepskins can be sold for money!¡± Yang Yi raised his eyebrows. ¡°Correct. Although cattle and sheep are both livestock raised by the nomadic tribes of the grasslands, sheep are different from cattle. Sheep eat grass to the roots. If the Turks raise a large number of sheep and graze them continuously, their pastures will become barren. Moreover, if the Turks become dependent on the Great Zhou for their supply and demand relationship, what will happen one day when ninety percent of the Turks no longer raise cattle or horses, but only sheep to sell, if the Great Zhou suddenly stops or even forbids the purchase of sheepskins from the Turks?¡± As his words fell, the room suddenly fell silent. The Empress felt a shiver run down her spine, as if a cold wind had swept through. She immediately realized the sinister nature of Yang Yi¡¯s strategy, her black and white eyes revealing shock and horror. ¡°At that time, the Turks will be overrun with sheep, and there will be no place to sell them. The pastures will be exhausted, the nomadic lifestyle will completely collapse, and the people will starve. The Turks¡­ will fall without a fight!¡± Yang Yi nodded calmly. ¡°Exactly. Once a country becomes economically dependent on another, it is easily controlled. And at that time, all the Great Zhou needs is a simple decree to plunge the prosperous Turkish Khaganate into chaos and make it a living hell. Then we can mobilize our troops and easily conquer the Turks.¡± For nomadic nations like the Turks, once the grassland economy collapses, not even the gods can save them. Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er felt cold sweat on their backs. They took a deep breath, unable to suppress their inner shock. Even without directly facing such a strategy, just watching from the sidelines, they could feel the cruelty and bloodshed. A single strategy to conquer a nation! Chapter 7 - Empress: Compared to Yang Yi, I’m a saint! Chapter 7: Empress: Compared to Yang Yi, I¡¯m a saint!The hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Shangguan Wan¡¯er could almost hear her own heartbeat. Her clear eyes looked at Yang Yi with a complex gaze, a mixture of admiration and a hint of awe. She had never imagined that this seemingly young and handsome top scholar could come up with such a terrifyingly ruthless plan. It was too cruel. The Empress¡¯s expression was complicated. She looked at Yang Yi and thought to herself, She had always thought her methods were already extremely harsh. After all, as a woman sitting on the throne, she had to be ruthless. But Yang Yi was even more ruthless. Compared to Yang Yi, she was practically a saint. Wu Zhao was silent for a moment. Her cold and beautiful eyes looked at Yang Yi. ¡°This strategy is indeed a brilliant plan!¡± Yang Yi said with a smile, ¡°This strategy may seem sinister, but it is actually an open plan. As long as it is implemented properly, the Turks will suffer heavy losses and may even fall to our Great Zhou. Until then, Your Majesty will have the merit of expanding the territory.¡± These words immediately pleased the Empress. Wu Zhao raised her phoenix-like eyebrows. ¡°I understand Yang Qing¡¯s strategy. I will make sure that it is implemented flawlessly. First, we will establish a stable trade market with the Turks. Once they rely on us, we will buy sheepskins at high prices and eventually make them subservient to us¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°Your Majesty, the Turks are powerful at the moment. It might be difficult to get them to settle down and engage in a trade market with us.¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback. ¡°What do you mean, Yang Qing?¡± Yang Yi spoke with conviction, ¡°Wolves don¡¯t make deals with sheep unless you first show them that we are not to be trifled with!¡± Wu Zhao was speechless. Yang Yi¡¯s meaning was clear and factual. If Great Zhou appeared weak and easy to bully, why would the other side agree to a fair trade? Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her dark, bright eyes looked at the smiling Yang Yi. Suddenly, she understood. ¡°Yang Qing, do you have a way to inflict heavy losses on the Turks on the battlefield?¡± Yang Yi smiled, ¡°Whether the Turks will suffer heavy losses, I don¡¯t know. But I can guarantee that they will definitely suffer setbacks. They will realize that Great Zhou is not easily bullied. They will understand that compared to fighting, dealing honestly with Great Zhou is the way to survive.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s dark eyes suddenly sparkled. Her cold, fair face showed a hint of curiosity. ¡°Yang Qing, what¡­ brilliant plan do you have?¡± Yang Yi was speechless. How long had it been, and the Empress already had a stereotype of him? It wasn¡¯t exactly sinister, just a bit devious. He folded his hands and said, ¡°Your Majesty, I need some time to prepare this strategy. I will demonstrate it to you tomorrow¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s mouth twitched. This guy was still keeping her in suspense? She suppressed her curiosity and nodded calmly. ¡°Then I will wait for your demonstration tomorrow.¡± ¡­ After leaving the palace, Yang Yi returned to his home. As a court official, although his family was poor, having his own house was not a problem. His household had only a few servants and no one else, so things were simple and plain. In fact, it was because he had no money. After all, working at Hanlin Academy, how much salary could he earn in a month? But now that he was at the side of the Empress, money was secondary. The main thing was that he could show off his talents, and that was the key. Inside the house¡­ Yang Yi opened the system. [Host: Yang Yi] [Poison Expert Points: 46,729] Just by offering three strategies, he had already accumulated so many Poison Scholar Points. The most points came from the famine relief efforts. After all, mixing sand into the relief grain was something only a ruthless person could do. Yang Yi nodded in satisfaction and then opened the system shop. ¡¾Red Cannon Blueprint: 150,000 Poison Expert Points¡¿ ¡¾Great Snow Dragon Cavalry *1000: 200,000 Poison Expert Points¡¿ ¡¾Two-Sleeved Green Snake Manual: 500,000 Poison Expert Points¡¿ ¡¾Flintlock Blueprint: 150,000 Poison Expert Points¡¿ ¡¾Sweat Blood Horse *1: 10,000 Poison Expert Points¡¿ ¡¾Empress Wu Zhao¡¯s Dudou: 1,000 Poison Expert Points¡¿ ¡¾Mission Summon Card ¨C Diao Chan: 100,000 Poison Master Points¡¿ ¡¾Reba¡¯s Black Stockings: 1,000 Poison Master Points¡¿ ¡¾Han Hong Custom Doll: 1,000 Poison Master Points¡¿ The items in the shop were dazzling. Yang Yi¡¯s gaze glanced over items such as the Blueprint and the Black Stockings, causing his eye to twitch involuntarily. He sighed slightly. However, the items seemed quite expensive, and the Poison Scholar points he had accumulated were not enough. After studying the options for a while, he put the system away. The next day.. At the drill ground, many officials gathered gradually. One official asked, ¡°Minister Liu, the Empress has summoned the ministers here today. Do you know the reason?¡± Minister Liu replied, ¡°I have no idea. Has anyone heard anything?¡± Another official said, ¡°I heard that after yesterday¡¯s court session, Yang Yi was summoned by the Empress and appointed as an official of the Central Secretariat. Could today¡¯s matter be related to him?¡± A third official remarked, ¡°Related to him? If that¡¯s the case, the Empress must hold him in high regard.¡± An additional official agreed, ¡°Indeed, he did an impressive job addressing the famine relief issue. I wonder what he¡¯s up to today?¡± Just then, someone interrupted, ¡°Shh, Minister Li is here.¡± Everyone fell silent as Li Yifu entered, his expression a mask of irritation. He was puzzled by the Empress¡¯s decision to summon the ministers to the drill ground today. Normally, as a trusted advisor, he had some insight into the Empress¡¯s plans, but today he was as in the dark as anyone else. Hearing vague rumors that the gathering might be related to Yang Yi only darkened his mood further. The thought of a young upstart overshadowing his own position was unsettling. S~?a??h the N?v?lFir?(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Soon, several officials gathered around Li Yifu, his demeanor softening as he engaged in polite conversation to mask his frustration. Moments later, the Empress arrived, fashionably late. Attendant: ¡°Her Majesty has arrived¡­¡± The ministers bowed respectfully as Wu Zhao took her place, her gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. Empress Wu Zhao: ¡°Where is Yang Qing?¡± A murmur of tension rippled through the crowd. As anticipated, today¡¯s unusual assembly was indeed related to Yang Yi. Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who had been waiting nearby, quickly stepped forward to address the Empress. Shangguan Wan¡¯er: ¡°Your Majesty, Lord Yang mentioned that he needed to retrieve something and will be here shortly¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, her patience thin. The crowd awaited in silence, eager to see what the young strategist had in store. Chapter 8 - Yang Yis Strategy to Defeat the Enemy? Li Yifus contempt! Chapter 8: Yang Yi¡¯s Strategy to Defeat the Enemy? Li Yifu¡¯s contempt! Everyone was stunned. ¡°Getting something?¡± What could Yang Yi possibly be up to? Li Yifu frowned upon hearing this and couldn¡¯t resist a sarcastic comment. ¡°Lord Yang is quite bold to make the Empress wait for him¡± The officials exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of skepticism and irritation. It wasn¡¯t just Li Yifu who felt this way. The notion of a seventh-ranked official from the Central Secretariat keeping the Empress and high-ranking officials waiting seemed audacious, if not audacious. Shangguan Wan¡¯er pursed her lips, casting a quick glance at the Empress. Wu Zhao sat on her imperial carriage, her cold, noble demeanor betraying no emotion. Her authoritative voice rang out, ¡°We will wait.¡± S?a??h th? N???lFire.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. The crowd fell silent, the tension palpable. Li Yifu¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment and frustration, his fists clenching in anger towards Yang Yi. The officials, witnessing the Empress¡¯s open support for Yang Yi, knew better than to voice their discontent. They stood in quiet anticipation, their earlier criticisms now tempered by the Empress¡¯s patience. Moments later, Yang Yi arrived, flanked by a group of workers carrying five wooden barrels. Each barrel was half the size of a man and tightly sealed. Yang Yi approached the Empress and presented the barrels with a flourish. ¡°Your Majesty, the strategy I mentioned to make the Turks suffer setbacks is contained within these barrels¡­¡± A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. The officials were astonished. The gravity of the situation became clear: Yang Yi had brought something crucial for dealing with the Turkish threat. The presence of the barrels sparked curiosity and speculation. Li Yifu¡¯s eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them. He never expected that Yang Yi, without making a sound, would once again propose a method to deal with the Turks to the Empress. If he didn¡¯t keep an eye on this young man, he would end up causing major events. The Turks¡¯ habit of raiding southern border towns had always been a top concern for the Central Plains countries. Not just Great Zhou, but neighbouring countries like Tang and Ming also suffered from their incursions. Li Yifu said indifferently, ¡°We all know of Lord Yang¡¯s patriotic heart, but the Turks are not easy to deal with. If Lord Yang treats them like disaster victims, he might end up failing miserably¡­¡± Other officials displayed subtle disdain, whispering among themselves. They exchanged skeptical remarks about Yang Yi¡¯s bold claims. One official noted, ¡°The Turks are so formidable that even Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty suffered losses against them. Yang Yi might be overestimating his abilities.¡± Another added, ¡°Indeed, many renowned generals wouldn¡¯t dare claim they could easily defeat the fierce Turks. Yang Yi is still too young.¡± A third official commented, ¡°Youthful bravado is one thing, but it must be backed by real strength. Boldness alone isn¡¯t enough.¡± The crowd was generally pessimistic about Yang Yi. If the Turks were so easy to deal with, they wouldn¡¯t be such a headache for the countries of the Central Plains. This young man underestimated everyone. Yang Yi smiled slightly, seemingly unfazed by Li Yifu¡¯s words. ¡°Minister Li¡¯s advice is duly noted. However¡­ should we cower just because the Turks are formidable and our success or failure affects our position? We receive the Empress¡¯s salary and should share the Empress¡¯s worries. Even if we fail, it¡¯s better than being a coward!¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er couldn¡¯t help but laugh, but she quickly realized her mistake and covered her mouth. Her clear eyes still held a hint of amusement as she looked at Yang Yi. Li Yifu¡¯s face turned alternately green and white. His vision darkened. How many years had it been since someone dared to be so insolent in front of him? This young man actually dared to call him a coward? Outrageous! The officials present also held back their laughter. Although they didn¡¯t have high hopes for Yang Yi, they didn¡¯t like the arrogant and domineering Li Yifu either. It was quite amusing to see Li Yifu being put in his place. Inside the imperial carriage, Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curved slightly. She said nonchalantly, ¡°Alright, everyone, stop arguing. Yang Qing, does your strategy to defeat the enemy really depend on those barrels behind you?¡± Her words drew everyone¡¯s attention to the barrels. They were all curious to know what was inside. Yang Yi folded his hands. ¡°Your Majesty, indeed. The contents of these barrels can increase our chances of success against the Turks.¡± Li Yifu snorted. ¡°Nonsense. Do you know how difficult it is to deal with the Turks? Do you really think that a few barrels can defeat them? If it really works, I¡¯ll eat those barrels.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched, a strange expression on his face. ¡°Minister Li, are you sure?¡± Li Yifu looked at him and scoffed inwardly. He didn¡¯t believe that a young man who had never seen the battlefield would be able to make the Turks suffer. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m sure,¡± he said. Yang Yi nodded. This old man was truly ruthless. He calmly said, ¡°In that case, Minister Li, please open the lid of the barrel. The contents are the ingenious items we will use to defend ourselves against the Turks.¡± Everyone was curious. Shangguan Wan¡¯er couldn¡¯t help but stand on tiptoe. Even Wu Zhao in the imperial carriage straightened her back slightly to see what was inside the barrel. Li Yifu frowned, not sure what trick this young man was playing. But he was sure that Yang Yi couldn¡¯t possibly succeed. It was probably just a clever but useless device. How could these things possibly deal with the Turks? He snorted coldly, stepped forward, and lifted the lid in one swift motion. As he did so, a wave of intensely foul-smelling hot air rushed toward his face. The scorching heat instantly burned his skin. Li Yifu screamed, dropped the lid, and stumbled back a few steps. Chapter 9 - This dung is truly poisonous! A double torture to the mind and body! Chapter 9: This dung is truly poisonous! A double torture to the mind and body!Li Yifu¡¯s reaction immediately caught everyone¡¯s attention. The officials were all stunned. The next moment, a wave of intensely foul-smelling hot air began to spread. An elderly official with gray hair, who was standing closest to the barrel, started choking and covered his mouth in agony. ¡°It¡¯s manure¡­¡± he exclaimed. As soon as he said this, everyone around him immediately stepped back, creating a large empty space around the barrels. The officials all covered their noses and stared in shock at the steaming manure inside the barrels. Many of them began to gag, wishing they could completely empty their stomachs. Shangguan Wan¡¯er, her face pale, quickly moved closer to Wu Zhao¡¯s carriage, where the stench was less intense. Wu Zhao¡¯s cold and noble face showed a rare expression of speechlessness. Yang Yi covered his nose and waved to the workers nearby. They quickly replaced the lids on the barrels, greatly reducing the stench. Yang Yi looked at the officials who were still gagging and couldn¡¯t help but smile. After a moment, Li Yifu, clutching his still burning face, roared, ¡°Yang Yi, is this your brilliant strategy to defend against the Turks? Using a barrel of manure?¡± The other officials also covered their noses and shook their heads. ¡°Is this nonsense?¡± said one. ¡°How can manure stop the Turks¡¯ cavalry?¡± questioned another. ¡°Ah, young people and their wild ideas,¡± a third remarked. ¡°I knew he was talking nonsense. Good thing I was standing far away,¡± added a fourth. ¡°This is ridiculous. The entire court gathered here to look at manure?¡± scoffed a fifth. ¡°Too young and naive,¡± concluded another. Yang Yi seemed oblivious to the complaints around him. He smiled slightly, revealing his white teeth. ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s fertilizer, or more precisely, boiled fertilizer.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyebrows furrowed slightly, a hint of contemplation in her eyes. She noticed Yang Yi¡¯s choice of words¡ªboiled manure? Shangguan Wan¡¯er blinked, her cold gaze turning curious. Li Yifu, on the other hand, was already furious. This young man had forced him to open the lid and humiliated him! How dare he, the Minister of Finance, be toyed with by this young man? ¡°Yang Yi, stop talking nonsense. This is a matter of national importance, not a game!¡± Li Yifu snapped. Yang Yi met the skeptical eyes of the officials and clapped his hands. ¡°Minister Li, you misunderstand. When I say this has miraculous effects in defending against the enemy, I mean it. Dung is dirty, but when it is boiled, it becomes scalding hot. When the enemy attacks the city, we can pour this boiling manure from the city walls. The enemy will be scalded and lose their ability to fight.¡± As soon as Yang Yi finished speaking, Li Yifu sneered. ¡°Ridiculous¡­ If you want to scald the enemy, why not just use boiling water? Why go to such lengths? And even if you scald the enemy, what good will it do? It will just burn their skin. Can it kill them?¡± The other officials nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, what good is just scalding them?¡± said one. ¡°Exactly, on the battlefield, a burn is just a minor injury,¡± added another. ¡°Indeed, Yang Yi¡¯s idea is too naive,¡± remarked a third. Shangguan Wan¡¯er frowned. She felt that things were not as simple as Li Yifu made them out to be. Yang Yi was no simple person. She glanced at the Empress and noticed that Her Majesty was also deep in thought, seemingly pondering the purpose of Yang Yi¡¯s actions. Yang Yi, unfazed by the skepticism, smiled. ¡°Minister Li, you are mistaken. This is not just about scalding. This substance can kill!¡± The scene fell silent. Many people looked at Yang Yi in confusion. Li Yifu continued to sneer, thinking that Yang Yi was just being stubborn. At that moment, the cold voice of the Empress rang out. ¡°Yang Yi, what do you mean?¡± With a serious expression, Yang Yi held out his hands to the Empress. ¡°Your Majesty, as we all know, dung is a dirty substance. I had it mixed with oil and boiled over a fierce fire, resulting in an extremely high temperature. When it comes in contact with a person, it can immediately scald the skin. But the real effect begins after the scalding. The filth in the fertilizer enters the body through the burns, causing the wounds to fester, leading to severe illness and eventually death.¡± It was essentially a biological weapon. Given the medical conditions on the battlefield, even the imperial doctors might have trouble saving lives. However, since the ancients didn¡¯t understand bacteria, Yang Yi could only explain it based on observable effects. His words shocked everyone. ¡°Can it really be used like that?¡± one official wondered aloud. ¡°Is it true or false?¡± asked another. ¡°Does manure really have such miraculous effects?¡± another questioned. ¡°Can manure really cause serious illness? Is it poisonous?¡± yet another queried. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She couldn¡¯t believe that such a method existed. If what Yang Yi said was true, then this strategy was indeed extremely ruthless. Wu Zhao was stunned, her heart filled with shock. If Yang Yi¡¯s claims were true, this could indeed become a powerful tool for defending the city. Li Yifu¡¯s face turned dark. He said coldly, ¡°Yang Yi, these are just your words. Do you have any proof?¡± He couldn¡¯t believe it. He had lived longer and experienced more than Yang Yi. He had heard of people drowning in dung, but he had never heard of dung being poisonous enough to kill. All eyes were on Yang Yi. He smiled slightly. ¡°Of course I have proof. Yesterday, I went to the prison and poured boiling manure on a death row inmate. Today, he is already on the verge of death¡­¡± After Yang Yi finished speaking, he clapped his hands, and several soldiers brought in a prisoner dressed in rags, his body covered with severe burns and festering wounds. The officials took one look and instinctively stepped back. The sight was horrifying. The prisoner¡¯s skin was so badly damaged that it was hard to tell that he was still alive, except for the faint rise and fall of his chest. Yang Yi then addressed the Empress, ¡°Your Majesty, please call the Imperial Doctors to examine this man.¡± Wu Zhao nodded slightly. Shangguan Wan¡¯er quickly gave the order. Moments later, an elderly Imperial Doctor with white hair approached and bowed to the Empress. ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty!¡± Wu Zhao nodded and said, ¡°Examine this man. Can he be saved?¡± S?a??h the ??v?l_Fir?.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. The Imperial Doctor nodded respectfully and proceeded to examine the prisoner. Everyone held their breath, watching the doctor intently. After a moment, the doctor stood up and shook his head. ¡°This man¡¯s wounds are festering, apparently caused by a scalding substance. Despite the application of external medicine, it has been ineffective. His pulse is irregular, indicating that he has contracted a serious illness. My limited knowledge prevents me from determining the exact cause of his grave condition, but it is unlikely that he will survive more than a few days¡­¡± The officials gasped in unison, their faces filled with shock as they looked at Yang Yi. If even the Imperial Doctor couldn¡¯t diagnose it immediately, how could the battlefield doctors with their limited resources manage? Being splashed with this boiling manure was essentially a death sentence! Suddenly, the officials¡¯ glances at the barrels turned from contempt to fear. This fertilizer was truly deadly. Li Yifu¡¯s face turned from green to red and finally to a pale white. He had never expected that the boiling fertilizer could actually be deadly to the enemy! Li Yifu felt a wave of humiliation wash over him. He reflected bitterly on how Yang Yi had manipulated him into lifting the lid and getting a whiff of the hot, foul air. Panic began to set in. As he contemplated the possibility, Li Yifu began to shake uncontrollably, feeling uncomfortable all over. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s usually cold eyes were now filled with shock. Wu Zhao clenched her fists, her face a mask of astonishment. Her mind raced. If this was true, then the Turks would indeed suffer greatly when faced with the defensive stance of Great Zhou. No wonder Yang Yi had been so confident about making the Turks suffer. The entire gathering fell into an uneasy silence. Everyone stared at Yang Yi with expressions of disbelief. Yang Yi met their astonished gazes with a calm, slight smile. ¡°This fecal juice not only kills invisibly but also causes the body to fester in its final stages, making one appear like a ghoul, dying in pain and struggle.¡± He continued, ¡°Under the torment of this disease, they may even beg their former comrades to end their lives. Moreover, the filthy and stinking feces cause immense mental anguish and humiliation.¡± ¡°Soldiers hope to die honourably in battle, but if their bodies are covered in fecal juice, they will die in despair, their dignity stripped away!¡± ¡°This substance not only takes lives but also intimidates the enemy, making them tremble in fear!¡± The gravity of Yang Yi¡¯s words hit everyone like a physical blow. The strategy was not only vicious but also exceedingly treacherous. The officials were left in stunned silence. The strategy was undeniably cruel, a dark testament to Yang Yi¡¯s ruthlessness. Chapter 10 - Dung Dipped Arrowheads! This guy is really devious! Golden liquid in real combat! Chapter 10: Dung Dipped Arrowheads! This guy is really devious! Golden liquid in real combat!Everyone¡¯s view of Yang Yi gradually changed. The young man, who had initially seemed harmless, was revealed to be surprisingly ruthless. Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi with admiration. ¡°This strategy is excellent. Do you have a name for it?¡± Yang Yi smiled slightly, revealing his white teeth. ¡°Your Majesty, I call it ¡®Liquid.''¡± The name struck everyone as peculiar. They thought, Isn¡¯t it just a concoction of excrement? Wu Zhao rubbed her temples, trying to suppress a smile. ¡°Very good. With this liquid, it won¡¯t be easy for the Turkic people to plunder Great Zhou¡¯s borders.¡± Yang Yi continued seriously, ¡°Your Majesty, I actually have another idea. For instance, if we coat arrowheads with this liquid, even a scratch from an arrow will become fatal.¡± A hush fell over the crowd. Everyone stared at Yang Yi in disbelief. Li Yifu¡¯s face twitched. This young man was truly cunning. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Just imagining soldiers on the battlefield using these arrows while holding their noses made her chuckle. Yang Yi¡¯s ideas were indeed wild and unrestrained, but undeniably effective. Wu Zhao remained silent for a moment, her gaze on Yang Yi turning somewhat thoughtful. His methods were undeniably ruthless. She nodded slightly. ¡°With this liquid as a secret weapon, the Turks will be forced to reconsider their harassment of Great Zhou. Once we have inflicted enough pain, they will likely be eager to open trade between our countries. These two strategies will ensure their defeat¡­¡± ¡°Two strategies?¡± Everyone looked confused. Wu Zhao smiled faintly and did not elaborate. She simply waved her hand. ¡°I¡¯m tired¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er bowed respectfully before instructing the guards to take the imperial carriage away. The Empress had piqued everyone¡¯s curiosity, but since she had not elaborated, they did not dare to ask. Instead, they looked at Yang Yi with eager eyes, eager to learn about the strategy the Empress had mentioned for defeating the Turks. S~?a??h the ???el F?re.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi spread his hands and smiled. ¡°This is a military secret, so there is no need to ask me¡± Half a month later, in Yuzhou City. This border city, situated on the edge of Turkic territory, was not particularly large but was exceptionally well-built. The blue-gray city walls were seamless, straight, and smooth. Though not very high, they were still a formidable defense. At the city wall¡­ ¡°Captain Liu, is this really the secret weapon mentioned in the Emperor¡¯s decree sent from thousands of miles away?¡± A tall, dark-skinned man with a full beard stared at the wooden barrel before him, which was emitting a foul stench. The boiling dung juice inside released steaming hot fumes. Captain Liu scratched the back of his head, his large, bell-like eyes filled with confusion. ¡°I suppose so. General Heichi gave those orders, and I heard it¡¯s indeed the strategy from the newly appointed top scholar¡­¡± ¡°The Chief Scholar also mentioned using arrows dipped in this liquid against the enemy.¡± As he finished speaking, the soldiers around him exchanged puzzled glances. ¡°Captain Liu, isn¡¯t this nonsense? Just a barrel of dung, and you think it can be used in battle?¡± ¡°Yes, this is too ridiculous.¡± ¡°We¡¯re risking our lives here, and a scholar who¡¯s never seen a battlefield is giving orders?¡± ¡°We are soldiers of Great Zhou. Using a barrel of dung to attack seems a bit degrading.¡± ¡°How can we stand a chance against the fierce Turks with this dung juice?¡± ¡°That top scholar must be talking nonsense.¡± ¡°A young boy¡ªwhat does he know about warfare?¡± The crowd was filled with discontent. Unable to criticize the emperor directly, they directed their anger towards Yang Yi. Captain Liu shared their frustration. He understood his brothers¡¯ sentiments¡ªrisking their lives only to be handed what they saw as an insult to their valor. Captain Liu tried to reassure them. ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be rash. Even General Heichi has approved this strategy. There must be something to this liquid.¡± The dark-faced man scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ve been fighting for years, and never once have I heard of winning a battle with dung!¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather die than use this stuff!¡± he added. His words ignited murmurs of agreement among the others. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d rather face death than use that liquid. It¡¯s absurd!¡± ¡°, if this stuff can defeat the Turks, I¡¯ll eat it myself.¡± ¡°How could fierce, brutal Turks be intimidated by dung?¡± ¡°Anyway, I won¡¯t use it. It¡¯s too humiliating. That top scholar must be talking nonsense!¡± ¡°Yes, what does a bookish scholar know about warfare?¡± As Captain Liu was about to respond, he noticed a dark shadow approaching from the corner of his eye. His expression turned serious. ¡°Stop arguing! The Turks are coming!¡± The soldiers¡¯ faces grew solemn as they looked into the distance. A large group of Turks, riding fine horses and with braided hair, charged towards them with greedy eyes. ¡°Hurry, close the gate!¡± someone shouted. The soldiers at the gate quickly sprang into action, shutting the massive doors. Soon, the Turks reached the gate. They threw grappling hooks, aiming for the city walls. These Turks were big, strong, and skilled at climbing. Captain Liu and his men¡¯s expressions shifted from frustration to alarm. ¡°Quick, stop them!¡± Captain Liu ordered. The surrounding soldiers scrambled into action. They picked up stones and hurled them down onto the attackers. Many Turks were hit and fell from the wall, but the relentless assault continued as more soldiers climbed up. The brutality and greed in the eyes of these Turkic soldiers were evident. The dark-faced man beside Captain Liu shouted, ¡°Damn it, we¡¯re out of stones! Grab your weapons!¡± The soldiers quickly seized their spears, preparing to fend off the attackers. Despite their efforts, the Turkic soldiers were clearly seasoned warriors, wearing armour that offered them protection. Though some were knocked down, more continued to ascend, undeterred. Captain Liu¡¯s eyes were bloodshot with frustration. The Turks had come unexpectedly, and the defenders were ill-prepared. If the Turks succeeded in scaling the walls, the civilians behind them would be at their mercy. In desperation, Captain Liu glanced at the barrels of boiling liquid beside him. Gritting his teeth, he grabbed a large ladle, scooped up a ladleful of the foul-smelling liquid, and poured it down onto the attackers. Chapter 11 - The Defeat of the Turks! The invincible army defeated by manure? Chapter 11: The Defeat of the Turks! The invincible army defeated by manure?Not far from Yuzhou City, the Turkic army was encamped. Surrounded by numerous generals was the Turkic commander, Que Tqin. S?a??h th? N?velF?re.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. He looked at Yuzhou City, where his subordinates were continuously climbing the walls, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°This time, the Zhou people definitely did not expect our sudden attack. They are already too late to defend themselves¡­¡± ¡°Everyone, get ready. We will burst through the city gates any moment!¡± Before he could finish his sentence, the Turkic soldiers on the distant city walls began to fall in large numbers, accompanied by screams. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Que Tqin tightened his reins, his face filled with astonishment. The other Turk generals were shocked as well. They clearly had the advantage, so how could the situation suddenly be reversed? On the city wall, everyone looked at Captain Liu and the ladle in his hand. Captain Liu was also shocked. In a moment of desperation, with nothing else to throw, he had picked up a ladle and scooped up a large ladle of scalding manure. Unexpectedly, when the dung was poured down, it immediately scalded the Turkic soldiers, causing their skin to crack and making them lose their grip on the ropes and fall. Even those with armour couldn¡¯t defend themselves against this liquid manure! ¡°It really works wonders!¡± Captain Liu muttered. Suddenly, a Turkic soldier was about to climb up. Captain Liu, jolted into action, quickly picked up the ladle, scooped up another large ladleful, and poured it out fiercely. The Turkic soldier screamed, clutching his face, and fell straight down from the height. The nearby soldiers were stunned. The soldiers who had just been angry now hurriedly looked for things to scoop up the dung and pour it down. For a moment, scalding manure splashed down from the city wall. One by one, the Turkic soldiers screamed, their skin blistering from the scalding. Countless Turkic soldiers fell. Many of them died from the fall. The momentum of the siege was stopped for a moment. Que Tqin watched this scene in shock, his heart aching as he looked at the wailing Turkic soldiers. He clenched his teeth. ¡°Retreat!¡± The enemy clearly had a secret weapon against them. If they continued to attack, they would suffer even greater losses. Que Tqin¡¯s order was given. A large number of Turkic soldiers began to retreat. Captain Liu made a crucial decision. ¡°Release the arrows!¡± The soldiers behind him reacted immediately and dipped their arrows into the dung. Although the smell was overwhelming, as long as it could kill the enemy, it didn¡¯t matter! Wave after wave of arrows rained down, covering the retreating enemies. The Turkic soldiers, focused on escaping, had no time to dodge. In the blink of an eye, countless soldiers fell to the rain of arrows. ¡­ Three days later, in the Turkic camp. ¡°Report, General! Sixty percent of our wounded soldiers have died, and the rest are barely clinging to life!¡± A pale-faced Turkic officer came in to report to Que Teqin. Que Teqin¡¯s expression changed drastically, his eyes filled with disbelief. ¡°What? Are all these military doctors useless? These injuries are just burns and arrow wounds. How could they not be treated?¡± The officer hurriedly replied, ¡°The military doctors said that the external injuries are minor. The real problem is that they¡¯ve contracted a deadly disease for which there is no cure.¡± ¡°A deadly disease?¡± Que Teqin clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a fierce light. ¡°How did they contract a fatal disease? Take me to them!¡± Moments later, Que Teqin appeared in the tent of the wounded soldiers. As soon as he entered, he immediately sensed that something was wrong. The whole tent was filled with a foul stench. Most of the wounded were lying there, barely breathing. Were it not for the slight rise and fall of their chests, he would have thought they were all dead. The wounds of the injured soldiers were festering beyond recognition, not only oozing pus but also bleeding continuously. Que Teqin¡¯s face turned livid. What exactly had the Zhou people done to his soldiers? He grabbed the trembling doctor beside him and shouted, ¡°What the hell is going on? What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± The doctor stammered, ¡°They must have been poisoned when they were burned. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have gotten such a severe disease.¡± Que Teqin¡¯s chest nearly exploded with rage. ¡°Do you know what kind of poison it is?¡± Que Teqin asked, trying to control his anger. The doctor¡¯s expression became strange. ¡°It seems¡­ we only found feces on them.¡± ¡°What?¡± Que Teqin was stunned. Fecal liquid? His invincible army was defeated by feces? News of the Turks¡¯ disastrous defeat quickly reached Luoyang. Inside the palace. ¡°Good, well done!¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s fair and slender hand slapped the table, her ample chest trembling slightly, catching Yang Yi¡¯s attention. The Empress¡¯ eyes were filled with excitement. ¡°After so long, we have finally dealt the Turks a heavy blow. According to reports from the front, the Turks have suffered heavy casualties, most of whom are suffering from an incurable disease. Yang Yi, you¡¯ve made a great contribution.¡± In all the years of war between the Zhou and the Turks, this was the first time she felt such satisfaction. It was as if old and new grudges were being settled at once, truly a moment of pride! Yang Yi smiled. ¡°This is just the beginning.¡± ¡°Your Majesty, why be satisfied with this small victory? Our goal is to destroy the Turks!¡± Wu Zhao calmed down, her rosy lips curling into a smile. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± ¡°I will destroy the Turks!¡± ¡°Haha, they would never expect that I plan to trade with them next, nor would they expect that underneath this bowl of sweet porridge is a deadly poison!¡± ¡°Yang Qing, you have made a great contribution. How can I reward you?¡± Yang Yi thought to himself. Chapter 12 - The Empress Has Reached The Right Age to Marry! Shangguan Waners teasing! Chapter 12: The Empress Has Reached The Right Age to Marry! Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s teasing!Of course, these words could only be kept in his heart. On the surface, he righteously declared, ¡°I am indebted to the Emperor¡¯s grace. Loyalty to the ruler and service to the country is my duty!¡± Wu Zhao glanced at the upright Yang Yi, a slight curve appearing at the corner of her lips. ¡°At such a young age, you have already reached the position of Central Sheriff. Although this position is not of high rank, it does have considerable power.¡± ¡°Another promotion might attract undue attention.¡± ¡°How about this, I heard that you are not married yet. Why don¡¯t I introduce you to a match?¡± Yang Yi was speechless. He solemnly replied, ¡°Your Majesty, please do not joke with your humble servant. The Turks are not yet defeated, how can I think of my family?¡± Heaven knows what kind of woman the Empress would introduce him to. If she turned out to be ugly, wouldn¡¯t that be a disaster? Wu Zhao smiled faintly and did not mention the matter again. Instead, she discussed the upcoming negotiations with the Turks. Half an hour later, Yang Yi left the palace. Inside the hall, Wu Zhao leaned back against the chair, revealing her snow-white neck. Her faint smile faded and became cold and calm. ¡°Wan¡¯er, what do you think of my proposal?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who was standing next to her, pursed her lips and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty intends to match the Third Princess with Lord Yang?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curled, and her phoenix eyes shifted slightly. ¡°Yang Yi is exceptionally talented and comes from a humble background. Such talent is most reassuring when held in my hands.¡± ¡°Besides, my younger sister is also of marriageable age¡­ I find Yang Yi¡¯s appearance quite handsome; he might not be unsuitable.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er hesitated to speak. Wu Zhao looked at her. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± S?a??h the Nov?lF?re .??t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Shangguan Wan¡¯er cautiously said, ¡°Your Majesty also seems to be of marriageable age. The royal family is quite concerned about Your Majesty¡¯s marriage¡­¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback. ¡°You dare to joke about me!¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er pursed her lips and smiled. As a trusted maid who had accompanied the Empress since childhood, Shangguan Wan¡¯er was less intimidated by Wu Zhao than the other palace maids. Wu Zhao was silent for a moment before laughing mockingly. ¡°I am the ruler of a nation. Marriage is a state affair; it cannot be so simple.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er blinked innocently. ¡°Actually, Lord Yang is only a few years older than the Third Princess and about the same age as Your Majesty¡­¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback and glared at Shangguan Wan¡¯er. ¡°I see you are itching for a reprimand, daring to gossip about me.¡± ¡°If rumors spread about me and Yang Yi, where would my dignity go?¡± She continued, ¡°How can a ruler and a minister be husband and wife?¡± ¡°You little girl, you really deserve a scolding.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er pretended to be frightened but felt a hint of curiosity. The Empress¡¯s reaction seemed less intense than expected. ¡­ Half a month later, the Turks¡¯ harassment of the Great Zhou gradually subsided. The destructive power of the Gold Juice had terrified them into submission. At that time, the Empress¡¯s letter was once again delivered to the Turkic Khan. News of the trade agreement between the two countries began to spread. Another month passed, and a market had been established at the border where the two nations met. Trade had officially begun. ¡­ In the Tang Dynasty¡¯s Hall of Supreme Jurisdiction in Chang¡¯an, a middle-aged man dressed in a pale gold dragon robe sat at the center of the hall. He had a square face, a broad forehead, and a dignified appearance, with white streaks in his hair. Every movement he made exuded an undeniable aura of authority. ¡°You¡¯ve all heard the news about the trade between the Zhou Kingdom and the Turks, right?¡± he asked with a smile. Standing below him was a group of ministers in purple robes with goldfish pouches. The one at the front was rather plump but had deep, contemplative eyes. This man was none other than the Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty, Changsun Wuji. Changsun Wuji respectfully replied, ¡°Your Majesty, this matter has already caused quite a stir¡­¡± Li Shimin stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°What do you think?¡± Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment before responding, ¡°Your humble servant believes this matter is not so simple; there may be hidden motives behind it.¡± Li Shimin remained noncommittal and looked at Fang Xuanling. ¡°I have heard that the Zhou Kingdom has developed a weapon called ¡®Gold Liquid¡¯ that has severely damaged the Turks¡­¡± Fang Xuanling¡¯s expression was somewhat strange. ¡°I heard it¡¯s made by boiling feces, hence the name ¡®Gold Liquid¡¯. After being boiled, the filth in the fecal liquid causes severe infections that are incurable¡­¡± Li Shimin frowned deeply. ¡°This is indeed a vicious weapon¡­¡± ¡°Do you know who made it?¡± Changsun Wuji quickly replied, ¡°Your Majesty, the person who mixed sand into the relief grain of the Zhou Kingdom and created the Gold Liquid is the same individual.¡± Upon hearing this, Li Shimin¡¯s face showed shock. ¡°Are you saying it¡¯s that newly appointed top scholar, Yang Yi?¡± The incident of sand being mixed into the relief grain of the Zhou Kingdom had become widely known a few days ago. Li Shimin had heard about it and even praised the imaginative method. He hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi to come up with another new trick! Changsun Wuji nodded. ¡°Indeed, it is him.¡± Li Shimin¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°This person is indeed talented¡­ but his methods are somewhat sinister.¡± Changsun Wuji sighed. ¡°Your Majesty, as far as I know, the trade between the Zhou Kingdom and the Turks was also facilitated by Yang Yi¡­¡± Li Shimin¡¯s eyes grew thoughtful. ¡°Using trade to maintain peace between the two countries¡ªthis person is not to be underestimated.¡± Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling exchanged glances and smiled wryly. Li Shimin noticed their unease and asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment before speaking. ¡°I heard that the Zhou people only buy sheepskins from the Turks at high prices, but nothing else¡­¡± Li Shimin stroked his chin. ¡°What¡¯s so strange about that?¡± Chapter 13 - The Shock of the Tang Dynasty Ministers! The mastermind behind the ruthless plan! Chapter 13: The Shock of the Tang Dynasty Ministers! The mastermind behind the ruthless plan!Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and said solemnly, ¡°Of course it¡¯s strange. If it¡¯s just trade, then why restrict the goods?¡± Upon hearing this, Li Shimin nodded slightly, a hint of confusion in his eyes. ¡°Yes, it really doesn¡¯t make sense. Auxiliary machine, what do you think?¡± Changsun Wuji thought for a moment. ¡°We ministers discussed it and came to a frightening conclusion¡­¡± Li Shimin¡¯s interest was piqued, and he raised an eyebrow. ¡°What conclusion?¡± Changsun Wuji showed a look of lingering fear. ¡°We suspect that Yang Yi¡¯s move is to ensure that the Turks only have sheep in their livestock. Unlike cattle and horses, sheep eat grass down to the roots. So, when you graze on a pasture, you can¡¯t overgraze with sheep. Otherwise, the pasture will be exhausted. Yang Yi¡¯s strategy is to make the Turks work themselves to death!¡± The hall suddenly fell silent. Li Shimin¡¯s eyes showed a look of shock. He stood up suddenly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. ¡°This boy, is he trying to cut off the roots of the Turks? If what you suspect is true, it is indeed a very vicious method.¡± Everyone in the room nodded repeatedly, their faces showing concern. Although none of them were kind-hearted people, they still felt a shiver run down their spines when they realized Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless strategy. ¡°This is too cruel,¡± someone muttered. ¡°The Turks live in the grasslands, and this boy wants to exploit their pastures. This is practically forcing the Turks into a desperate situation from the very beginning.¡± ¡°This boy is only twenty years old, yet he¡¯s so ruthless,¡± another added. Li Shimin took a deep breath. ¡°Gather all the information about Yang Yi and send it to me as soon as possible. It¡¯s surprising that such a talent has appeared in the Zhou Kingdom.¡± Even he could no longer underestimate Yang Yi. Despite being the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, one of the most powerful men in the Central Plains, he felt a sense of dread in the face of Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless plan. S?a??h the N?v?lFir?.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Half a month later. Great Zhou. ¡°, these merchants are truly despicable!¡± Wu Zhao slammed the memento in her hand onto the table. Shangguan Wan¡¯er watched the Empress cautiously. Although she had a good relationship with the Empress, she knew how to maintain her boundaries. Now that she saw the Empress clearly angry, she did not dare to say a word. Wu Zhao suppressed her inner frustration, feeling extremely dissatisfied. She wondered if the feng shui was off during her ascension. In recent years, the country had been plagued by frequent natural disasters. A few months ago, a flood had consumed much of the grain in the storehouses, and now a drought had hit Hangzhou, making her head ache. Wu Zhao suddenly sighed. ¡°Could it be that heaven does not favour our Great Zhou?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er quickly replied, ¡°Your Majesty must not say such things! Since Your Majesty took the throne, the people have lived in peace and prosperity, and the nation has grown rich and strong. How can it be that heaven does not favour us? Your Majesty is ordained by Heaven and must remain strong.¡± Wu Zhao rubbed her temples, a slight smile appearing on her pale and coldly beautiful face. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ I was almost driven mad by these profit-driven merchants. Pass on my order to summon the officials of the Six Ministries and the Secretariat.¡± ¡°Oh, and¡­¡± Wu Zhao seemed to remember something, ¡°Summon Yang Yi as well.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er nodded respectfully. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± A moment later¡­ The officials of the Secretariat and the Six Ministries gathered in one place. Those who could be here were all high-ranking officials of the court. Yang Yi looked at the Empress¡¯s expression and muttered to himself. Although he was a secretary in the Secretariat, he spent most of his time not at the side of the Empress, but in the Secretariat, helping to draft edicts. Now that he was suddenly summoned by the Empress, something important must have happened. Wu Zhao glanced at everyone, pausing at Yang Yi for a moment before she pulled her gaze back and tossed the memorial in her hand to them. ¡°Take a good look at this¡­¡± Everyone passed the memorial around with furrowed brows. When Yang Yi finally took the memorial, he was stunned. The local government was running out of grain and had appealed to the court for help. Meanwhile, the price of grain in Hangzhou had increased tenfold and was rising even faster. Wu Zhao¡¯s voice, tinged with hidden anger, echoed in the courtroom. ¡°The government has very little grain left, relying only on some old stocks, while these grain merchants are hoarding and driving up prices together¡­¡± ¡°The merchants of our Great Zhou are such profit-driven leeches. How many people in Hangzhou are waiting for rice to eat, and yet they hide the grain and find ways to raise the prices. A tenfold increase in grain prices¡ªhow many people can afford that?¡± Everyone in the hall looked at each other, not daring to react. They hadn¡¯t expected a drought in Hangzhou, and the fact that these grain merchants had colluded to raise prices and profit from the disaster was indeed excessive. Wu Zhao suppressed her anger. ¡°A few months ago, due to the flood in the Capital Region, all the grain the court could mobilize had already been used up¡­ Now it¡¯s almost impossible to send more grain to Hangzhou. Unless we take grain from the nearby granaries around Hangzhou, but even that won¡¯t be enough.¡± She spoke with a hint of tiredness. ¡°Li Yifu, if we were to send grain from Suzhou, Wuzhou, and other nearby areas, how much could we mobilize at most?¡± Chapter 14 - A Few Words in the History Books, A Great Disaster! Chapter 14: A Few Words in the History Books, A Great Disaster!Li Yifu thought for a moment and then slowly said, ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m afraid we can only mobilize less than 200,000 catties of grain¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s vision darkened. Her cold gaze swept over everyone. ¡°Gentlemen, do you have any solutions?¡± Everyone in the room looked at each other, not daring to answer. No one wanted to deal with this problem. The situation had reached an impasse. What could the court do without grain? Could they force the grain merchants to lower their prices? Everyone fell into deep thought. Shangguan Wan¡¯er instinctively looked at Yang Yi, only to find that he remained calm, seemingly pondering, but with no intention of speaking. After a while, an elderly man with white hair smiled and said, ¡°Your Majesty, the court could use fame as bait to encourage the wealthy merchants and gentry of Hangzhou to donate grain and money. If they are willing to donate, the court can arrange for their names to be inscribed on a monument in Hangzhou to immortalize their deeds.¡± As his words fell, the eyes of those around him lit up. S~?a??h the n0v?l(?)ire.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That makes sense¡­¡± ¡°Minister Xu¡¯s strategy is indeed brilliant!¡± ¡°This plan might be effective.¡± The speaker was Xu Jingzong, the chancellor, a seasoned veteran of the political arena for decades. His proposal was quite feasible. Shangguan Wan¡¯er couldn¡¯t help but nod slightly. Using fame and fortune to entice the wealthy merchants to donate wasn¡¯t a bad idea. However, Wu Zhao shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not very feasible. The death of more commoners will have no effect on these wealthy merchants. Besides, the grain merchants are probably backed by the wealthy gentry of Hangzhou. They are already trying to make huge profits from this national disaster. Why would they give up such huge profits for a monument? Even if some are willing to donate, it would be a drop in the bucket for the huge population of Hangzhou.¡± Xu Jingzong was stunned for a moment and couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly. The Empress¡¯ words were not without reason. But it was the only solution he could think of. The hall fell silent again. Li Yifu slowly said, ¡°Your Majesty, no matter what, we must first send all the grain we can gather to Hangzhou. We must let the people of Hangzhou know that the court has not abandoned them and calm their restless hearts. Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable¡­¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. Li Yifu¡¯s consideration was not without reason. After all, in times of famine, the most important thing is for the government to instill confidence in the people. Otherwise, unrest could easily occur. At that moment, Yang Yi¡¯s voice suddenly rang out. ¡°No.¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes fell on Yang Yi in astonishment. They hadn¡¯t expected him to directly reject the idea. Shangguan Wan¡¯er was also a bit stunned. She thought that Li Yifu¡¯s suggestion seemed reasonable. Xu Jingzong looked at Yang Yi thoughtfully. He was quite curious about this junior official from the secretariat. On the other hand, Li Yifu¡¯s face darkened. This boy just loved to stand up to him, didn¡¯t he? He narrowed his eyes and spoke harshly. ¡°What do you mean, Minister Yang? Is my proposal not feasible? Do you want the people of Hangzhou to starve? If something goes wrong, can you take the responsibility? This is not the same as mixing sand with rice. Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± He still held a grudge against Yang Yi for the last disaster relief operation and now took the opportunity to take a swipe at him. Yang Yi smiled slightly, seemingly unaffected, making Li Yifu feel as if he had punched cotton wool, frustrating him to the point that he wanted to spit blood. Wu Zhao frowned slightly, her eyes fixed on Yang Yi, her voice much softer. ¡°Minister Yang, what do you mean? Speak freely.¡± Yang Yi folded his hands. ¡°Your Majesty, I believe that with the current grain shortage, we must not send all the grain to Hangzhou. Otherwise, if the grain is quickly consumed and we cannot send more in time, would it not tell the people of Hangzhou that the court has no more grain? At that point, there will be real unrest. If someone with an ulterior motive stirs things up, it will lead to a great disaster!¡± The hall fell silent as everyone considered Yang Yi¡¯s words. They nodded in agreement, recognizing the truth in his assessment. If they failed to provide sufficient grain later, the people would lose faith in the court, leading to a dangerous situation. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes lit up with understanding. Wu Zhao remained silent, acknowledging the gravity of Yang Yi¡¯s insight. The grain shortage was indeed a critical issue. Li Yifu, however, was filled with frustration. His proposal had been rejected once again by Yang Yi, causing him to lose face. The previous disaster relief had already exposed his inferiority compared to Yang Yi, and now they were clashing again? He gritted his teeth. ¡°Then we should transport the grain to Hangzhou in batches¡­ That way, each shipment would be smaller, but there would still be hope for the future.¡± Yang Yi replied without hesitation, ¡°That is still not feasible. Each time the grain is insufficient, many people will starve to death.¡± Li Yifu¡¯s face turned red with anger, his eyes flashing. ¡°Some people starving is better than most people starving!¡± Yang Yi shook his head. ¡°Minister Li speaks lightly. The ¡®some people¡¯ you mention who are starving could be tens of thousands, affecting hundreds of thousands of families. For Minister Li, the drought in Hangzhou might be just a few words in the history books, but for the people of Hangzhou, it¡¯s an incredibly heavy catastrophe. A speck of dust in time, when it falls on the people, becomes a mountain¡­¡± The hall fell into stunned silence. Everyone was struck by Yang Yi¡¯s profound words. Wu Zhao pondered this statement in silence, her phoenix eyes reflecting a flicker of contemplation. The gaze of the other officials towards Yang Yi gradually shifted. This young man¡¯s ability to articulate such profound thoughts revealed an extraordinary wisdom. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s cold eyes flashed with admiration. As the Empress¡¯s handmaiden and the head of the palace¡¯s female officials, she had encountered many high-ranking nobles. In the eyes of these nobles, the lives of commoners were often regarded as mere numbers. But Minister Yang saw things differently. Li Yifu was seething with anger. This man was infuriatingly sanctimonious and seemed determined to undermine him at every turn. The rage in his heart was almost overwhelming. Suppressing his inner fury, Li Yifu coldly said, ¡°If this plan is unworkable, then Minister Yang, please present us with a brilliant solution.¡± Chapter 16 - The Imperial Envoy is a Traitor Minister? The people of Hangzhou are furious! Chapter 16: The Imperial Envoy is a Traitor Minister? The people of Hangzhou are furious!The hall was deathly silent. Everyone stared at Yang Yi, their faces a mix of shock and awe. The officials were visibly trembling, their minds reeling from the unexpected brilliance of Yang Yi¡¯s plan. It was a masterstroke of strategy that had turned a seemingly ruthless proposal into a cunning trap for unscrupulous merchants. Li Yifu¡¯s hair stood on end. His body trembled uncontrollably, and his face showed an expression of shock and disbelief. Yang Yi¡¯s words had pierced through the gloom of the Hangzhou crisis, revealing an ingenious strategy that used the merchants¡¯ greed against them. The plan not only promised to resolve the grain shortage but also ensured the downfall of those who had exploited the disaster. It was truly a remarkable strategy. Even though he greatly disliked Yang Yi, he had to admit that Yang Yi¡¯s strategy was far beyond his reach. Shangguan Wan¡¯er clenched her fists, her cold eyes widening in astonishment. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that Yang Yi¡¯s plan would be so deviously effective. The way he manipulated the merchants¡¯ greed to trap them while solving the grain crisis was both ruthless and brilliant. She felt a mix of admiration and respect for Yang Yi¡¯s cunning. Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyebrows furrowed as she processed the revelation. Her black and white eyes showed a flicker of shock, and her lips pressed into a thin line. S?a?ch* Th? N0??F?re.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. What she had initially dismissed as a reckless suggestion had turned out to be a clever solution to her persistent problem. The Empress¡¯s anger towards the unscrupulous merchants was palpable, and she felt a surge of satisfaction at the thought of them being ensnared by Yang Yi¡¯s plan. Her guilt over misunderstanding Yang Yi melted away as she considered the effectiveness of his strategy. In a voice filled with both relief and excitement, Wu Zhao declared, ¡°Good, truly a brilliant plan! Those unscrupulous merchants deserve to be ruthlessly trapped!¡± As she spoke, the Empress¡¯s gaze softened slightly. She turned to Yang Yi and said, ¡°Minister Yang, since you¡¯ve devised such an excellent plan, I appoint you to oversee the disaster relief in Hangzhou.¡± Yang Yi accepted the order with a smile. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± Inwardly, he checked the system panel: [Host: Yang Yi] [Poison Expert Value: 51439] The Poison Expert value had increased significantly. He realized that while giving advice was beneficial, actively implementing the plan would likely yield even greater rewards. The civil and military officials looked at Yang Yi with a mix of envy and admiration. It was clear that Yang Yi had not only captured the Empress¡¯s attention but had also proven his exceptional talent. Li Yifu¡¯s face darkened. The scathing reprimand he had received from Yang Yi was still fresh, and now he faced the additional humiliation of watching Yang Yi¡¯s plan triumph. What began as a strategy to address high grain prices had turned into a resounding success, severely punishing the unscrupulous merchants while solving the crisis. For Li Yifu, it was a bitter pill to swallow. This was a slap in the face. Li Yifu was so infuriated that he nearly spat blood. However, with the Empress now holding Yang Yi in high regard, Li Yifu had no choice but to endure the humiliation. ¡­ The following day, Yang Yi departed for Hangzhou. As the imperial envoy, his first order of business upon arrival was to purchase grain at above-market prices and halt the distribution of relief grain. This decision sent shockwaves through Hangzhou, capturing widespread attention. Outside the government office in Hangzhou City¡­ ¡°This corrupt official is trying to kill us all!¡± ¡°Yes, old man, my family isn¡¯t wealthy. It was already tough to buy rice, and now, with this corrupt official arriving, prices have skyrocketed. I¡¯ve spent all my savings.¡± ¡°This corrupt official must be colluding with those unscrupulous merchants. It¡¯s just despicable!¡± ¡°He should be dismissed!¡± ¡°How dare they stop distributing relief grain? Are they trying to drive us to death?¡± Hundreds of angry citizens gathered outside the government office, shouting their frustrations. Yet, the doors of the office remained firmly shut. An elderly man spat on the ground in disgust and shouted, ¡°Corrupt official, you¡¯re colluding with unscrupulous merchants. Divine retribution will come for you!¡± His words resonated with the crowd, who began to shout in unison. ¡°Corrupt official, scoundrel!¡± ¡°Beast!¡± ¡°Despicable creature!¡± ¡°Bastard!¡± Despite the endless cacophony of curses, the government office remained silent and unresponsive. Meanwhile, the price of grain continued to climb, reaching 150 cents per bucket and still rising. Many people despaired as, without government relief grain, affording grain became an impossible task. The desperate and hungry frequently ran to the government office to vent their anger. The area outside the office was a chaotic scene. Inside, the minor officials trembled with fear. None dared to challenge the imperial envoy¡¯s orders. In the inner office, Yang Yi remained calm, unaffected by the turmoil outside. He watched with satisfaction as the Poison Scholar¡¯s value steadily increased. Several days passed, and the price of grain soared to 200 cents per bucket, hitting its peak. Grain merchants from various regions flocked to Hangzhou, eager to capitalize on the crisis. In Hangzhou City¡­ A group of grain merchants gathered, their faces lit with satisfaction. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this imperial envoy is still buying grain at these inflated prices.¡± ¡°Yes, with the price of grain several times higher than before, we¡¯re set to make a massive profit on our stockpiles.¡± ¡°Hahaha, if it weren¡¯t for this envoy, the price wouldn¡¯t be so high. I even suspect he¡¯s one of us.¡± ¡°Haha, let¡¯s keep buying. The price will only go higher!¡± ¡°This drought will surely wipe out the people¡¯s savings!¡± ¡­ Chapter 17 - The Government Stops Buying Grain! Scorn of Local Merchants! Foreign merchants delight! Chapter 17: The Government Stops Buying Grain! Scorn of Local Merchants! Foreign merchants¡¯ delight!At the residence¡­ ¡°Sir, in the past few days, many grain ships from other regions have stopped at the docks,¡± an official reported cautiously. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Keep monitoring the situation. Let me know when the docks are completely full.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The clerk, though puzzled, followed the instruction. Three days later¡­ ¡°Sir, the docks are now completely full. There are grain ships everywhere,¡± the clerk reported respectfully. Yang Yi¡¯s eyes glinted with satisfaction. ¡°Give my order: stop buying grain. Also, open the granaries and begin distributing the grain to the people.¡± The official hesitated, confusion flickering across his face. Just a few days ago, this Imperial envoy had seemed indifferent to the plight of the people and had refused to distribute relief grain. Why the sudden change? Though perplexed, the official complied with the orders. Half a day later¡­ The government¡¯s decision to open the granaries and halt grain purchases sent shockwaves through the city. Countless people rushed to receive the relief grain. Although the amount provided was limited, it was enough to sustain them for a while. Meanwhile, the local grain merchants gathered, visibly distressed. ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why has the Imperial envoy stopped buying grain?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve stockpiled 800,000 catties of grain. If they stop buying, what am I supposed to do with it?¡± a middle-aged man with a mustache exclaimed in panic. ¡°I¡¯ve hoarded a lot as well.¡± ¡°Yes, if it falls into our hands, the losses will be enormous.¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve accumulated over a million catties.¡± The concern among the merchants was palpable. ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t panic. Once their granaries are empty, they¡¯ll have to buy more,¡± an older man said with a sneer. ¡°Right, right. Why are you all so worried?¡± a fat man added disdainfully. ¡°Hangzhou¡¯s population is nearly a million. The grain the government has bought is just a drop in the bucket. If they want to avoid a revolt, they¡¯ll have to purchase our grain.¡± The merchants, reassured, calmed down a bit. The fat man sneered, ¡°Let¡¯s see if this young envoy can really turn the world upside down.¡± At the docks, the foreign grain traders were bewildered. ¡°They¡¯ve stopped buying? If they¡¯re not buying grain, why did we come all the way from other regions?¡± ¡°We¡¯re in trouble. If the government doesn¡¯t buy, the round trip will cost us a fortune.¡± ¡°We¡¯re losing a lot. Those ships cost money to dock every day. If we can¡¯t sell the grain, we¡¯ll have to cover the costs ourselves.¡± ¡°Everyone, stay calm. The grain the government has bought won¡¯t last forever. They¡¯ll definitely buy more.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but every extra day we stay here costs us more.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hope the government starts buying soon.¡± ¡­ Half a month passed. The government continued to distribute relief grain in small but steady quantities. The out-of-town grain merchants could still hold their own, but the out-of-town merchants were on the verge of losing it. The ships they rented were charging hefty fees for every day they were in the Hangzhou harbor. The port officials, knowing that these merchants were there to make money, showed no mercy and charged exorbitant fees. The out-of-town merchants were almost at their breaking point. A group of people gathered at the port, sighing and lamenting. ¡°We¡¯ve been here for half a month, staying all day. Not only have we not sold a single grain of rice, but we also have to pay extra docking fees. When we return, we¡¯ll have to pay a large amount of money to rent the ship. What are we going to do?¡± said an old man with a bitter smile. Beside him, a young man wore a tearful expression. ¡°At least you all have some assets. I put everything I had into this trip, hoping to make a big profit. If I don¡¯t make any money, I¡¯ll have to mortgage my ancestral home. That would be a disaster.¡± ¡°Who could have known that the court would suddenly stop buying grain? Why don¡¯t we sell to the townspeople?¡± someone suggested. ¡°Hmm, you want to sell to the townspeople? How? Will you carry the rice yourself? If you hire people to do that, that¡¯s another expense. Besides, do you think the local grain merchants are easy to deal with? Even if you want to sell at a low price, do you have the ability to do so?¡± A thin middle-aged man sneered. The crowd fell silent. They knew that they seemed to have reached a dead end. Staying in Hangzhou any longer would probably result in a total loss. Even if they returned now, they would still suffer considerable losses. Just as everyone fell silent, a servant entered. ¡°Gentlemen, an officer from the government office wants to see you¡­¡± Everyone was taken aback and showed puzzled expressions. The Government Office? They looked at each other for a moment. One said, ¡°Let him in.¡± The servant nodded and retreated. ¡°What could be the purpose of this officer¡­?¡± One person looked confused. The others remained silent. S~?a??h the ??v?lF?re.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. An old man said in a deep voice, ¡°No matter what, let¡¯s meet him first.¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. Moments later, an officer dressed in a round-collared black robe walked in. He looked around the room with a serious expression and said, ¡°It¡¯s good that everyone is here. The Imperial envoy would like to invite you all to a banquet tomorrow to discuss the matter of purchasing grain¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Everyone was stunned at first, then their faces lit up with joy. Their bodies trembled with excitement, unable to contain themselves. As long as the government was willing to buy the grain, they wouldn¡¯t have to suffer any more losses! Hope had arrived! Chapter 19 - The Apology of the Hangzhou Citizens! Public Opinion Rises! Chapter 19: The Apology of the Hangzhou Citizens! Public Opinion Rises!A few days later, most of the local grain merchants began to join the ranks of those selling grain at low prices. With their participation, the already shaky grain prices began to fall further, even dropping below the initial market price. The local grain merchants were in a state of utter desperation. They could only swallow their pride and sell their grain at a loss. For the next half month, the citizens of Hangzhou bought grain at extremely low prices, each one overjoyed. Eventually, rumors began to spread that the plummeting grain prices were all due to the Imperial envoy¡¯s scheme. The news that he had raised the grain prices to attract foreign grain merchants, then bought the grain at a low price and sold it to the locals, spread through Hangzhou like a hurricane. Although Yang Yi didn¡¯t publicize his actions, it didn¡¯t mean that no one could see through his plan by that time. At that moment, the citizens of Hangzhou suddenly realized why the Imperial envoy had raised the grain prices upon his arrival. In the government office, a small official rushed over panting. ¡°Sir, there are¡­ there are many citizens outside the office who want to see you¡­¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. He closed the system panel. The value of the Poison Expert System had just skyrocketed. He thought for a moment, and then walked out of the government office. Now that these citizens had grain to eat, they shouldn¡¯t come to curse him as a corrupt official. A moment later, he opened the main gate of the government office. Looking out, he saw a dense crowd of hundreds, if not thousands, of people standing outside. As soon as they saw him come out, they became excited. The noise was deafening! The cheering almost lifted the roof of the government office. Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. He hadn¡¯t reacted yet when an old man not far in front of him suddenly knelt down with a thud. Yang Yi¡¯s eyelid twitched as he hurriedly helped him up. ¡°Old man, what are you doing?¡± The old man, his face full of shame, said, ¡°Imperial Envoy, you saved Hangzhou. I came here earlier to curse you as a corrupt official and even spat at you. Now that I think about it, I was really foolish. I kneel down to apologize to you. I¡¯m sorry for what I did earlier¡­¡± As he spoke, he was about to bow to the ground. Of course, Yang Yi would not allow it and quickly stopped him. But while he could stop the old man, he couldn¡¯t stop the hundreds and thousands of others. Countless people knelt down, thanking him and apologizing to him. ¡°I apologize to you too!¡± ¡°And so do I.¡± ¡°Ah, we all misunderstood the Imperial Envoy.¡± ¡°This humble woman will never forget the Imperial Envoy¡¯s kindness.¡± ¡°I would like to set up a longevity tablet for the Imperial envoy.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The scene was extremely noisy, with voices rising and falling. All the citizens looked at the Imperial envoy who had saved them with admiration and awe! Behind Yang Yi, countless government officials walked out, stunned by the magnificent scene in front of them. Their faces showed shock and awe, their hair standing on end. They had been officials for many years, but this was the first time they had seen someone so revered by the citizens, and Yang Yi had achieved this in less than a month! For a moment, all the officials looked at Yang Yi¡¯s back with admiration. Their eyes showed awe and respect. ¡­ In the Tang Dynasty. ¡°Is that so, is that so¡­¡± Li Shimin repeated twice, his eyes shining with unprecedented brilliance. He clenched his fist. ¡°This person deliberately set a trap, invited the enemy into the urn, feinted in the east, attacked in the west, and secretly crossed the Wei River. What a brilliant Imperial envoy Yang is! This strategy not only resolved the disaster in Hangzhou but also bankrupted those unscrupulous merchants. Truly a plan that kills several birds with one stone!¡± He was very interested in Yang Yi, so as soon as the situation in Hangzhou was resolved, he immediately received the news. Unexpectedly, the situation that had previously puzzled him and made him think that Yang Yi had run out of ideas was instantly reversed! It made him want to applaud and cheer. In the hall, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji all gasped, their faces showing shock. Unbelievable, simply unbelievable. Even they did not expect such a dramatic turn of events! Yang Yi was truly a genius among geniuses. Changsun Wuji stroked his beard, his eyes showing admiration. ¡°So young, yet able to handle everything so thoroughly. This person is truly a genius.¡± Fang Xuanling sighed. ¡°Indeed, the audacity, meticulousness, and ruthlessness of this strategy are far beyond me. I am old now; this is the era of the young.¡± Du Ruhui smiled wryly. ¡°Even we old bones couldn¡¯t do it this well. Yang Yi is truly a genius among geniuses. But to be his enemy must be terrifying; each of his strategies tortures the enemy to death.¡± s?a??h th? ??v?l_Fir?.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Everyone nodded in agreement. They had been watching Yang Yi for a long time. When Yang Yi made a move, it was always ruthless and decisive. Li Shimin sighed with a bit of envy. ¡°Such a genius, why is he not in my Tang Dynasty? What a pity.¡± ¡­ In the Imperial Palace. ¡°Your Majesty, the citizens of Hangzhou escorted Lord Yang for several miles, showing how much he has won their hearts,¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er said with a smile. Wu Zhao put down the memorial in her hand, a slight smile appearing on her cold and noble face. ¡°He did very well this time and taught those grain merchants a hard lesson. It was truly satisfying!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± she suddenly frowned, ¡°he has achieved such great merit again. I am worried about how to reward him. Should I simply give him my third sister?¡± Chapter 20 - Ten Consecutive Rewards! The Great Zhous Outgoing Third Princess! Chapter 20: Ten Consecutive Rewards! The Great Zhou¡¯s Outgoing Third Princess!A few days later, in the Great Zhou, outside Qianyuan Temple, Yang Yi was waiting for an audience with the Empress. He had just returned from Hangzhou, where he had implemented another round of the Work for Relief policy before leaving. It was only a matter of time before Hangzhou would recover. Yang Yi glanced at his system status. [Host: Yang Yi] [Poison Expert Value: 116,257] He raised an eyebrow. His trip to Hangzhou had greatly increased his Poison Expert value. Curiosity piqued, he opened the system shop and browsed idly. [Red Cannon Design Blueprint: 150,000 Poison Expert Value] [Barrett*1: 200,000 Poison Expert Value] [Dugu Nine Swords Manual: 500,000 Poison Expert Value] Yang Yi shook his head inwardly. The system items were too expensive; even buying a Red Cannon blueprint required 100,000 Poison Expert Value. Feeling a bit helpless, he suddenly noticed a small option next to the shop labeled ¡°Lottery¡±. Yang Yi was stunned and instinctively clicked to take a look. A rectangular prize pool appeared before him, with the words ¡°Start Lottery¡± in the center, resembling the lottery interface of a certain Penguin game from later generations. The prizes in the pool glowed in different colours, looking quite dazzling. A wave of information flooded into his mind. Yang Yi suddenly understood. The system shop also had a lottery function! The items in the shop were expensive, but in the prize pool, it only cost 10,000 Poison Expert Value to draw once. He might even get a prize worth much more. He hesitated for a moment. Since the summoning of the Empress would take a while, he decided to draw a few times. Yang Yi focused his mind. [Ding! Consumed 100,000 Poison Expert Value, starting the lottery] The next second, the prize pool emitted a misty glow. Moments later, a series of reward notifications rang out. [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the skill: Eye of Insight] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Enhanced Senses] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Yang Mi¡¯s Stockings] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Lao Ai¡¯s Legacy] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Instant Noodles*10] [Ding! Congratulations to the host on obtaining ¡°Character Summoning Card¡±: Li Cunxiao] S~?a??h the N0??F?re.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining ¡°Charm Enhancement¡±] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Character Summoning Card: Dian Wei] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Soft Hedgehog Armor (Impenetrable) 1] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Master Level Horsemanship] As the notification sounds continued to ring, Yang Yi felt a lot of information flooding into his mind. At the same time, he noticed that his sense of smell, hearing, and perception had been greatly enhanced. His eyes showed a look of excitement. He had drawn a lot of good things with these ten consecutive draws. The [Perceptive Eye] skill alone was worth the cost. With this skill, he could find out the identity and status of others, and thus devise a targeted strategy against them. The Character Summoning Cards could summon famous historical ministers and generals. Dian Wei and Li Cunxiao were both famous warriors in history. As a fragile strategist, he needed two strong generals to protect him. After all, Poison Strategies were the most hated, and the more famous he became, the more likely he was to be targeted. Therefore, he always remained vigilant. While Yang Yi was counting his rewards, he suddenly felt a breeze behind him. Thanks to the enhanced senses he had just acquired, he immediately sensed someone behind him. Without thinking, Yang Yi instinctively dodged and pushed the person behind him into the pond. ¡°Ah¡­¡± A crisp sound rang out. Splash! A figure in a yellow dress fell into the pond. Yang Yi immediately realized that he might have overreacted. Hurried footsteps sounded nearby. ¡°Princess¡­¡± Yang Yi was stunned. He looked closely. In the pond, a young girl, now completely soaked, her elegant hair in disarray, revealing a fair and delicate face, was screaming. Yang Yi quickly walked to the edge of the pond and grabbed the girl¡¯s hand, pulling her up. Fortunately, the pond wasn¡¯t deep, and the girl was only wet, without any serious damage. Once the girl was out of the pond, the maids around her quickly supported her, their faces filled with concern. ¡°Princess¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched, his expression somewhat strange. Among the Wu sisters, the only one still in the palace should be the Third Princess. This girl must be the Legendary Third Princess. Wu Mingyue coughed heavily, feeling extremely unlucky. She had come to find her second sister. According to Sister Shangguan, her second sister planned to introduce her to a young and promising husband, the same Yang Yi who had solved the grain price chaos in Hangzhou. The young girl, curious about love and romance, could not resist and decided to take a look. She saw Yang Yi standing alone by the pond. Her maid told her that he was the top scholar. The Princess, who was carefree and uninhibited, didn¡¯t feel shy and went up to greet him. Who would have thought that as she approached and was about to speak, this man would pull her into the pond! Her carefully prepared makeup was ruined. As she continued to cough, she heard the person in front of her say, ¡°Uh, Princess, why did you sneak up on me?¡± Wu Mingyue almost spat blood in anger. How could she have been sneaking up on him? This guy really knows how to pass the buck. She glared at Yang Yi. ¡°I just wanted to come over and say hello. Who tried to sneak up on you?¡± Yang Yi blinked and looked at Wu Mingyue¡¯s soaked chest. The Princess¡¯ clothes were already as thin as a Cicada¡¯s Wings, and now that they were wet, they revealed a large area of her full, pale skin, which was quite alluring. Although she was young, she was already well endowed. Yang Yi felt a bit emotional but maintained a calm demeanor. ¡°Princess, since you didn¡¯t make any sound or noise, I thought someone was attacking me, so I reacted strongly. With your broad-mindedness, I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t hold it against me¡­¡± Chapter 21 - Your Majesty, I actually prefer older ones! Chapter 21: Your Majesty, I actually prefer older ones!Wu Mingyue¡¯s dark eyes widened. She had never encountered someone so shameless before. He was the one who made the move, yet he managed to play the victim? She stood up, fuming, ready to speak her mind. Suddenly, Shangguan Wan¡¯er approached, her gaze lingering curiously on the somewhat disheveled Wu Mingyue. After bowing, she turned to Yang Yi and said, ¡°Her Majesty has finished attending to her matters. Please, Lord Yang, enter the hall.¡± Yang Yi thought, He had just accidentally pushed the girl into the pond, which was indeed a bit embarrassing. Fortunately, he had thick skin. He quickly replied, ¡°Please, Lady Shangguan, lead the way.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er nodded and was about to guide Yang Yi into the hall when Wu Mingyue, still standing by, called out, ¡°I¡¯m going in too.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er paused, blinking in surprise. ¡°Princess, Her Majesty only summoned Lord Yang.¡± ¡°Your Highness¡­ perhaps you should change your clothes first?¡± She glanced awkwardly at Wu Mingyue¡¯s chest. The girl¡¯s soaked clothing clung to her, revealing more than intended. Wu Mingyue suddenly realized how transparent her clothes had become. Letting out a startled cry, she gathered her skirt and dashed away as quickly as she could. A moment later, inside the hall, Wu Zhao rubbed her temples and gazed at Yang Yi from a distance. A flicker of surprise crossed her cold, noble face. She quickly regained her usual calm and composed demeanor. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was just her imagination, but Yang Yi seemed even more handsome than he had been a month ago. Unbeknownst to her, Yang Yi had received a system reward that enhanced his charm, though she dismissed her thoughts as a personal bias. The Empress pressed her lips together, steadying her emotions. Her clear, sharp eyes sparkled as she spoke. ¡°You handled the situation in Hangzhou exceptionally well. The grain prices have stabilized, and those unscrupulous merchants have been dealt with. I knew I wasn¡¯t wrong about you. Despite your youth, you surpass the old fossils in the court by far.¡± Yang Yi smiled, choosing not to respond. Excessive humility was unnecessary; he truly was better than those others. Wu Zhao composed herself before continuing, ¡°In the past six months, you have accomplished many great things. I have always been fair in my rewards and punishments. I plan to appoint you as Vice Minister of the Secretariat and grant you the title of Baron of Kaiguo County. What do you think?¡± Even with Yang Yi¡¯s deep and composed nature, he couldn¡¯t help but be astonished by the Empress¡¯s generosity. Not only did she bestow upon him a noble title, but she also promoted him to the esteemed position of Vice Minister of the Secretariat. It¡¯s important to understand that in the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Vice Minister of the Secretariat wielded considerable authority, with the ability to participate in state affairs. While the title might sound similar to that of the Chancellor of the Secretariat, their powers were notably different. The Chancellor of the Secretariat assisted the Empress in managing state affairs, supported by two deputies of the fourth rank who acted as his deputies, participated in major state decisions, and handled the submissions of foreign envoys. If the Chancellor of the Secretariat was the de facto ¡°Prime Minister,¡± then the Vice Minister of the Secretariat was akin to a Deputy Prime Minister. The Empress¡¯s reward was indeed generous, almost resembling a meteoric rise in status. Meeting the Empress¡¯s gaze, Yang Yi calmly said, ¡°I will follow Your Majesty¡¯s orders.¡± Wu Zhao nodded slightly, a hint of a smile playing on her rosy lips. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then it¡¯s settled.¡± Yang Yi bowed respectfully. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Wu Zhao suddenly smiled, and her cold face blossomed with astonishing charm. However, the smile was fleeting, leaving Yang Yi with a tinge of regret at its brevity. She quickly returned to her usual cold and indifferent demeanor, though her tone softened slightly. ¡°You are in your early twenties and have already risen to the position of Vice Minister of the Secretariat. Few in the entire Empire can compare to you.¡± ¡°When do you plan to address your personal affairs?¡± Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but think to himself when he caught the Empress¡¯s teasing. The Empress is already twenty-four years old. By today¡¯s standards, that¡¯s considered quite old. Of course, he couldn¡¯t voice such thoughts, as it would undoubtedly upset the Empress. Age is a sensitive topic for women, regardless of the era. ¡°Your Majesty, I believe that matters of marriage cannot be rushed. When the time comes, it will come. The more you rush, the more likely it is to backfire,¡± Yang Yi replied casually. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. ¡°I have a younger sister who is still unmarried. If you have some free time, you could get to know each other.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. S~?a??h the N?v?lFire.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. He had just dragged her sister into the water! He cleared his throat. ¡°Thank you for Your Majesty¡¯s kindness, but we have already met.¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯ve met?¡± Feeling helpless, Yang Yi recounted what had just happened. After all, it was impossible to hide the incident, and it was better for him to explain it than to let Wu Mingyue exaggerate the story. After listening to Yang Yi¡¯s explanation, the Empress couldn¡¯t help but laugh. She hadn¡¯t expected her mischievous sister to be subdued the first time she met Yang Yi. Her clear eyes blinked as she asked with a half-smile, ¡°So, what do you think of my sister?¡± As a top strategist, Yang Yi knew that it was better to ally with the Empress¡¯s faction to avoid the clutches of powerful families. Besides, Yang Yi was quite a catch, more than suitable for her sister. Yang Yi paused, considering his words carefully before replying, ¡°She is as radiant as the moonlight illuminating a jade forest, as brilliant as the morning light reflecting off a pearl shore. The Third Princess is as beautiful as a flower, a true royal beauty.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s rosy lips curved into a smile. ¡°So, do you like her?¡± Yang Yi had not expected the Empress to be so insistent and concerned about his marriage. Feeling a bit cornered, he blurted out, ¡°Uh, Your Majesty, the Third Princess is only sixteen, several years younger than me. Actually, I prefer someone older¡­¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense, plunging into an uncomfortable silence. Chapter 22 - An Invitation from Princess Wu Mingyue Chapter 22: An Invitation from Princess Wu Mingyue Yang Yi immediately regretted his words. But it was the truth. Princess Wu Mingyue was only sixteen years old, an age that would be considered middle school in modern times. Although it was common for teenage girls to become mothers in this era, he wasn¡¯t a pervert. The Empress, at twenty-four or twenty-five, was more in line with his aesthetic preferences. At that age, the Empress was in the prime of her beauty, like a blooming rose, exuding a mature and noble charm. Despite his thoughts, he knew he couldn¡¯t voice them. This era was different from the modern world, and even in modern times, flirting with a female superior was a huge mistake. The hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Wu Zhao¡¯s expression remained calm, her cold and noble face showing no sign of emotion. She didn¡¯t seem to grasp the deeper meaning behind Yang Yi¡¯s words and simply said, ¡°There is no rush. You can start as friends.¡± ¡°Alright, you may leave now. I am tired.¡± S~?a??h the Nov?lF?re .??t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Seeing that the Empress hadn¡¯t caught on to any hidden meaning, Yang Yi quickly took his leave. As he exited, the silence in the hall persisted. Wu Zhao, now alone, took a deep breath. A blush slowly crept up her beautiful neck, spreading to her ears. Her dark, pearly eyes revealed a hint of embarrassment and annoyance. Just then, a series of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. ¡°Imperial Sister¡­¡± Wu Mingyue rushed in angrily, clutching her freshly changed dress. ¡°Imperial Sister, I want to file a complaint¡­¡± Wu Zhao looked at her with a knowing expression. ¡°Did Yang Yi push you into the river?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Imperial Sister, how did you know?¡± Wu Zhao shook her head helplessly. ¡°He just told me¡­ Besides, you are an Imperial Princess. Don¡¯t be so loud and reckless. If people mistake you for an attacker, you can¡¯t blame them.¡± Wu Mingyue was speechless. ¡­ The news of Yang Yi¡¯s promotion and ennoblement spread quickly, attracting significant attention. At only twenty years old, he had risen to the position of Vice Minister of the Secretariat, which was astounding and a clear sign of the Empress¡¯s favour. Many were envious, but his accomplishments were undeniable. The effects of the drought in Hangzhou had been minimized, a task that would have been a challenge for anyone else. At the Yang residence, Yang Yi used his character summoning cards. With a flash of light, two figures appeared in front of him. One was a tall, stocky man with a fierce appearance¡ªDian Wei. The other was a nondescript man of medium build, but his mere presence exuded a calming steadiness¡ªLi Cunxiao. Yang Yi nodded with satisfaction. ¡°From now on, you two will stay by my side as my guards.¡± Li Cunxiao and Dian Wei promptly replied, ¡°Yes, my Lord.¡± ¡­ Three days later. ¡°Vice Minister Yang, the Third Princess requests your presence¡­¡± A palace maid hurriedly approached and bowed respectfully to Yang Yi. He raised an eyebrow, set aside the memorial he was reading, and followed the maid to Wu Mingyue¡¯s room. He wondered what the Third Princess wanted from him, but he knew he had to give her face. Moments later, at Shu Yu Palace, Yang Yi entered with a calm smile. ¡°Your humble servant greets the Third Princess.¡± The princess before him was dressed in a light blue flowing gown, her pale collarbones and ample breasts accentuated by the delicate fabric. She clasped her hands behind her back and snapped, ¡°A few days ago, you actually accused me in front of my sister? You clearly pushed me, but I ended up taking the blame. It¡¯s simply outrageous.¡± Yang Yi regarded her thoughtfully, a faint smile on his lips. ¡°Indeed, it was my fault. I apologize to Your Highness.¡± ¡°Hey, hey, hey¡­¡± Wu Mingyue hadn¡¯t expected such a reaction from Yang Yi. This was completely different from the argument she had imagined. She quickly said, ¡°Wait, you tricked me once, so you owe me a favor. I need you to help me with something.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, recognizing that the Third Princess had been waiting for this moment. With a serious expression, he said, ¡°Please speak, Your Highness. As a loyal subject of the Great Zhou, I am at your service. If the Princess has a problem, how can I not help?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t help with big things, and I don¡¯t like to help with small things, but remember, if you have any problems, just come to me.¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, her big dark eyes full of confusion. But as his words sank in, she realized he was just being evasive. Her realization made her glare at Yang Yi, her slightly plump face full of indignation. ¡°You¡¯re messing with me!¡± Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile. The Princess was amusing and endearing in her naivety. Unfortunately, there weren¡¯t many historical records about the third daughter of the Wu family, so his knowledge of the Princess before him was limited to their recent acquaintance. With a more serious tone, he said, ¡°Your Highness, you misunderstand. I was only joking. Please tell me your problem, and I will certainly find a solution for you!¡± Wu Mingyue sulked, giving Yang Yi a sideways glance. ¡°At least you have a conscience.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing major, really. Just a few noble offspring who keep harassing me. It¡¯s very annoying. Can you find a way to make them go away?¡± Chapter 23 - Letter from the old boss of the Qing Dynasty! Chapter 23: Letter from the old boss of the Qing Dynasty! Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. Without hesitation, he said, ¡°That¡¯s easy¡­¡± ¡°Your Highness should invite them on a hunting trip, then have three hundred axemen lie in wait. When they arrive, take them out and blame it on wild beasts in the forest.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s too ruthless. It doesn¡¯t have to come to this¡­¡± Yang Yi chuckled. ¡°If they dare to bother the princess, shouldn¡¯t they be dealt with harshly?¡± Wu Mingyue wrinkled her nose. ¡°If I have them killed, my reputation will be ruined. Who would dare to approach me after that? What if I can¡¯t get married?¡± Yang Yi puffed out his chest and said with a smile, ¡°As your strategist, I would step in. I would reluctantly marry the princess myself, right?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s ears turned red. When it came to thick skin, she was no match for Yang Yi. She snapped, ¡°You are my sister¡¯s top strategist. No, you have to find a way that doesn¡¯t involve killing but still makes them disappear from my sight forever¡­¡± Yang Yi was astonished. He stroked his chin, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he looked at Wu Mingyue. ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll give Your Highness another method.¡± Just as he was about to speak, Wu Mingyue looked at him suspiciously. ¡°No killing.¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Rest assured, Your Highness. I¡¯m actually a good person.¡± Wu Mingyue snorted. She had heard from her sister about the outrageous things Yang Yi had done. ¡°How about this,¡± Yang Yi continued, ¡°invite those noble offspring to a banquet. During the banquet, subtly hint that the Empress is considering potential suitors for you. Make it clear that only those who can prove their worth through significant achievements will be considered. This will either scare them off or send them on a wild goose chase, keeping them too busy to bother you.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That might actually work! Thank you, Yang Yi.¡± Yang Yi bowed slightly. ¡°It is my pleasure to assist Your Highness.¡± S~?a??h the n0v?l(?)ire.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. His lips curved into a smile. ¡°Alternatively, Your Highness could invite them on a hunting trip. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll agree with great enthusiasm. The night before, give them a moderate dose of laxative. That way, during the hunt the next day, any vigorous activity will cause them severe stomach discomfort, and they¡¯ll embarrass themselves in front of their admirers. After such a humiliating experience, they¡¯ll never dare to show their faces around you again¡­¡± Wu Mingyue was so shocked that her rosy lips remained parted. She stared at Yang Yi, dazed. It was clear that if such an event were to occur, these noble offspring would be too ashamed to ever appear before her again. Suddenly, Wu Mingyue shivered. Wu Mingyue felt a chill run down her spine. She bit her lip. ¡°Isn¡¯t this¡­ a bit too harsh?¡± Yang Yi silently mourned for those noble offspring for a few seconds before smiling and saying, ¡°Just let me know if it works or not¡­ And remember, this has nothing to do with me. It¡¯s the princess¡¯s decision.¡± Wu Mingyue was speechless. Wu Mingyue fell into deep thought. The thoughts of a young girl are like the stars in the sky, flickering and unpredictable. Just as Yang Yi was about to tease the Third Princess further, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall. ¡°Vice Minister Yang, the Empress summons you¡­¡± A palace maid hurriedly approached. Yang Yi was taken aback. Moments later, Yang Yi appeared in the Qianyuan Hall. The Empress¡¯s face was cold as ice, and she was surrounded by a circle of ministers. Seeing Yang Yi arrive, Wu Zhao said in a deep voice, ¡°You¡¯re here¡­ Take a look at this letter¡­¡± Yang Yi took the letter from the Empress. After reading it, he was stunned. It was a letter from the Qing Dynasty, handwritten by the current Emperor, Qianlong. Normally, such letters wouldn¡¯t be written by the emperor himself. These official documents are usually carefully reviewed by subordinates and go through several layers of scrutiny before being approved and sent. However, the Qing Emperor seems quite confident, showing off his calligraphy with a flourish, and the letter is filled with a tone of courtship. Yes, this is a proposal of marriage from Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. The intended bride is the Empress herself, and the groom is none other than Qianlong. Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned strange as he finished reading the letter and put it down, deep in thought. As far as he knows, the Qing Emperor is nearly forty years old and is eyeing a woman in her twenties. More importantly, it¡¯s unheard of for a reigning monarch to marry into another country. He looked at Wu Zhao, who was clearly displeased, her face as cold as ice. The ministers around them were also tense, waiting for Yang Yi¡¯s reaction. Even the mighty dynasties like Qin and Tang, which were superpowers, would never issue such an insulting document. Chapter 24 - Not a Brilliant Strategy, but a Malicious Trick Chapter 24: Not a Brilliant Strategy, but a Malicious TrickYang Yi put down the letter, utterly speechless. ¡°Has the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty been kicked in the head by a donkey? He actually wants to marry the Empress of our Great Zhou? He should take a good look at himself in the mirror. Does he even deserve it?¡± Wu Zhao felt a wave of satisfaction and couldn¡¯t help but slap the Dragon Throne, her phoenix-like eyebrows raised. ¡°Exactly, does he deserve it? Not to mention, as the ruler of Great Zhou, I cannot marry out. Besides, he¡¯s more than ten years older than me. I¡¯ve heard that this man is promiscuous, leaving behind a bunch of illegitimate children every time he travels incognito. He¡¯s completely shameless.¡± Yang Yi was the only one who dared to voice his anger so openly. Although the other ministers were also enraged after reading the letter, none of them dared to speak their minds. Hearing Yang Yi¡¯s outburst, they felt a sense of relief. Xu Jingzong, who stood to the side, stroked his beard. ¡°The reason why this Emperor Qianlong is so arrogant and domineering is that the Qing Empire has been developing and recovering for several decades. The Qing Empire is not weak now. This man has always been conceited, comparing himself to his ancestors. He must be ambitious, wanting to expand his territory and create a legacy. He¡¯s been coveting other countries¡¯ lands for a long time. Compared to the other major countries in the Central Plains, our Great Zhou has just ended a war with the Turks and suffered several disasters that have weakened our national strength. It¡¯s no surprise that he has set his sights on us¡­¡± ¡°This national letter may seem like a proposal for an alliance through marriage, but it¡¯s actually an attempt to force our Great Zhou into conflict with them. This way, the Qing Dynasty will have an excuse to pressure us!¡± Having navigated the political arena for many years, Xu Jingzong immediately recognized the reason behind the Qing Dynasty¡¯s arrogance. Wu Zhao coldly replied, ¡°So what? Is our Great Zhou afraid of them?¡± Li Yifu, standing nearby, smiled bitterly. ¡°Your Majesty, the treasury is empty. It might be difficult to support another war against a foreign country.¡± Wu Zhao immediately fell silent, her grip on the Dragon Throne so tight that her knuckles turned white. If it weren¡¯t for Great Zhou¡¯s numerous financial needs over the past two years, how could she endure such humiliation? She would have sent troops to attack the Qing Dynasty the moment she received the document. ¡°Are you suggesting that I endure the humiliation of this scoundrel?¡± After a moment of silence, the Empress¡¯s icy voice resounded. The atmosphere in the hall instantly turned as cold as frost, and a deadly silence fell. Everyone exchanged glances. They all knew that the Empress was displeased, but the power disparity between them and the Qing Dynasty was obvious. If it really came to a fight, the treasury wouldn¡¯t be able to support it. Li Yifu felt extremely uncomfortable, as if the Empress was questioning him directly. At that moment, a young voice rang out. S~?a??h the N0v?lFire(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Your Majesty, if the ruler is humiliated, the ministers must die. This old scoundrel has insulted our Great Zhou so much that we absolutely cannot just submit. People always pick the softest persimmons to squeeze! If our Great Zhou shows weakness, we won¡¯t just face one wolf from the Qing Dynasty, but a pack of wolves surrounding us! The Qing Dynasty¡¯s provocation must be met with a strong response¡ªa very strong response!¡± Everyone was stunned and looked toward the speaker. It was none other than Yang Yi. Xu Jingzong shook his head. Li Yifu frowned and said in a deep voice, ¡°Minister Yang, that¡¯s easy for you to say. You don¡¯t know how hard it is to run a household. Do you know how much money is left in the treasury? If we go to war with the Qing Dynasty, we won¡¯t be able to maintain it for long. The military expenditure is not a small amount.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, according to Minister Li, we should just smile and welcome those who trample on us? To endure such humiliation and still wipe our faces clean? I can¡¯t think of anyone who would do that, except maybe eunuchs and Minister Li.¡± Li Yifu¡¯s face turned crimson with anger. The other officials exchanged glances, surprised by Yang Yi¡¯s boldness. They hadn¡¯t expected him to be so confrontational. Despite Li Yifu¡¯s weak stance, his words held truth¡ªcourage alone wouldn¡¯t be enough; strength was also necessary. By this point, Wu Zhao had calmed down, her clear, dark eyes sweeping over Yang Yi with a mix of emotions. Faced with such provocation, she was furious to her core, but she also knew that going to war with the Qing Dynasty was unwise. However, reason is reason, and emotions are emotions. Yang Yi¡¯s defense of her brought a certain comfort. After all, he was a trusted confidant she had personally groomed. Sensing the tension among her ministers, Wu Zhao spoke calmly. ¡°Minister Yang, if our Great Zhou were to go to war with the Qing Dynasty, even a small-scale conflict would require considerable funds. If we had the resources, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible to fight the Qing Dynasty and show them the spirit of our Great Zhou! Do you have any brilliant strategies?¡± After speaking, she looked at Yang Yi with anticipation. Over the past few months, Yang Yi¡¯s ingenious strategies had greatly impressed her¡ªespecially the incident in Hangzhou, which had been nothing short of a divine move, leaving everyone in awe. If Yang Yi could come up with a brilliant strategy now, she could certainly teach that arrogant Qianlong a lesson. Li Yifu, still seething, looked at Yang Yi with a cold smile. he thought. Xu Jingzong and the others instinctively turned to Yang Yi. Although they didn¡¯t believe he could solve the problem, his past methods had taught them not to underestimate him. Yang Yi stroked his chin, met the Empress¡¯s gaze, and blinked. ¡°I don¡¯t have a brilliant strategy¡­¡± The room deflated with disappointment. Li Yifu sneered, a smug smile tugging at his lips. Wu Zhao felt a twinge of disappointment but remained composed. ¡°No matter, our Great Zhou is currently¡ª¡± Before she could finish, Yang Yi interrupted. ¡°I don¡¯t have a brilliant strategy, but I do have a cunning plan that might just disrupt their harmony.¡± Yang Yi added with a mischievous smile. Chapter 25 - Yang Yis Mission to the Qing Dynasty! Chapter 25: Yang Yi¡¯s Mission to the Qing Dynasty!Wu Zhao was taken aback. ¡°A cunning plan?¡± Her bright eyes lit up with interest. ¡°What kind of plan?¡± Right now, she despised Emperor Qianlong more than anything. If there was a way to make him suffer, she was eager to hear it. The other officials also turned their attention to Yang Yi, though with a hint of skepticism. Li Yifu¡¯s expression darkened. Yang Yi spoke with a serious tone. ¡°Since the treasury is empty and we¡¯re short of funds, why not get the money from the Qing Dynasty? Let¡¯s take their money to fill our coffers and use it to fight them!¡± Everyone exchanged bewildered glances. Li Yifu sneered. He had hoped Yang Yi might have something brilliant to offer, but this sounded like nonsense. Shangguan Wan¡¯er blinked in surprise. Wu Zhao was silent for a moment, her phoenix-like eyebrows furrowed. ¡°How do we do that?¡± Yang Yi smiled mysteriously. ¡°Your Majesty, rest assured¡ªI guarantee the Qing Dynasty will willingly give us money. But before that, I need Your Majesty¡¯s approval for one thing.¡± Wu Zhao looked pensive. ¡°What is it?¡± Yang Yi folded his hands. ¡°Allow me to go to the Qing Dynasty. Doesn¡¯t Qianlong want a marriage alliance? Then let me represent Your Majesty to discuss this so-called marriage alliance with them.¡± The hall fell into a stunned silence. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. Li Yifu¡¯s eyes twitched. He refrained from scolding Yang Yi. he thought darkly. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, pondering his words. ¡°Minister Yang, are you proposing to use the pretext of discussing a marriage alliance to go to the Qing Dynasty and take their money?¡± Yang Yi clapped his hands in admiration. ¡°Your Majesty is wise.¡± Wu Zhao frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. They aren¡¯t fools. Why would they give you money and let you leave?¡± She thought it over, unable to decipher what Yang Yi was planning. After all, the amount of money needed for a war wasn¡¯t trivial. s?a??h th? N0v?lFire(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi smiled confidently. ¡°Your Majesty, just watch over Great Zhou. I will not fail in my mission.¡± Wu Zhao opened her mouth to say something but hesitated. She worried about Yang Yi¡¯s safety in the Qing Dynasty. However, when she saw the determination in his eyes, she finally relented, saying slowly, ¡°Very well, I will trust you¡­¡± As she spoke, she felt a strange sense of reliance, almost as if she were a wife leaning on her husband. Fortunately, the others didn¡¯t notice her unusual behaviour; they were too shocked by Yang Yi¡¯s audacity. Regardless of his plan, his courage was undeniable. Li Yifu smiled faintly. ¡°Then I wish Minister Yang a safe journey.¡± Yang Yi smiled confidently. ¡°I will not betray Your Majesty¡¯s trust.¡± ¡­ Half a day later¡­ Yang Yi packed his belongings and departed for the Qing Dynasty. Accompanying him were Dian Wei, Li Cunxiao, fifty elite soldiers granted by the Empress, and a diplomatic letter. Half a month later¡­ Qing Dynasty. The Capital. Golden Throne Temple. ¡°Oh, a letter from the Empress?¡± A middle-aged man with a coiffure raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. He was dressed in a yellow dragon robe, with a prominent, smooth forehead, thick eyebrows, a square face with broad ears, and a moustache shaped like the character ¡°°Ë¡±. This man was none other than the current Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Aisin Gioro Hongli¡ªQianlong. Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened slightly. He hadn¡¯t expected his national letter, crafted with deliberate provocation, to so effectively provoke the Empress into sending an envoy. he mused, feeling a twinge of disappointment. He had always prided himself on his exceptionalism, his desire to achieve great feats of territorial expansion. That¡¯s why he had set his sights on Great Zhou. But this young empress had remained calm, revealing no weakness. Qianlong turned his gaze to the young man standing in the hall¡ªYang Yi. The faint smile on Yang Yi¡¯s lips and the way he met Qianlong¡¯s gaze spoke volumes. The two men locked eyes for a long moment. Qianlong frowned slightly before bursting into laughter. ¡°Minister Yang, since you come on the Empress¡¯s orders, I cannot treat you poorly.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a villa for you, Minister Yang. Stay for a few days, enjoy the scenery of our Qing Dynasty, and then we can discuss the matter of the marriage alliance between our two countries.¡± Naturally, he was suspicious. He didn¡¯t believe that Yang Yi had come merely to discuss a marriage alliance. he wondered, deciding to buy some time. Yang Yi remained unruffled. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty. I¡¯ve heard that the capital of the Qing Dynasty boasts excellent scenery, abundant resources, and countless rare flowers and stones. During my stay, I plan to buy many souvenirs, but transporting them back might be inconvenient.¡± Qianlong laughed heartily, feeling a sense of satisfaction. ¡°Our Qing Dynasty has everything. If you wish to buy things, I¡¯ll provide you with ten large cargo ships and a token. With this token, you can freely use the waterways to transport your goods back!¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a smile as he quietly expressed his thanks. Half a day later, Yang Yi settled into the villa that Qianlong had arranged for him. He knew that Qianlong¡¯s eyes were on him, but it didn¡¯t matter. What he planned to do can be done even under Qianlong¡¯s watchful eye. Two days later, a rumor began circulating in the capital: the envoy from Great Zhou, Yang Yi, had brought a large sum of money to the capital and was planning to do business with the city¡¯s nobles. In a grand and imposing prince¡¯s mansion¡­ ¡°Prince Kang¡­ have you heard?¡± A moderately fat middle-aged man said with a smile, ¡°The envoy from Great Zhou, Yang Yi, claims to have a business deal. If you invest money, it will grow¡­¡± The man he addressed as Prince Kang was an elderly figure with gray hair, the current Iron-Cap Prince, heir to the title of Prince Li of the First Rank¡ªBalatu. Chapter 26 - Sensation! The Qing people are going crazy! Chapter 26: Sensation! The Qing people are going crazy!Balto shot a glance at the fat man before him. ¡°Gong Yibu, have you been living too comfortably and spoiled your brain? Is there really such a good thing in this world?¡± This plump man was none other than Gong Yibu, the current Iron Hat Prince and Prince Rui Keqin. Being of a later generation, he was addressed by Balto rather casually. Gong Yibu chuckled, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Of course, I didn¡¯t believe it either¡­ but Yang Yi¡¯s causing quite a stir in the capital right now.¡± ¡°Everyone¡¯s talking about this business opportunity brought by the emissary from Great Zhou. They say that investing money with him makes it grow like a weed.¡± ¡°As long as you invest, you don¡¯t have to do a thing, and soon enough, you¡¯ll see extra silver in your pocket.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the returns are absolutely phenomenal¡­¡± Balto, who had seen much in his long life, was intrigued. He tapped his fingers, pondering the situation. ¡°What kind of business is this? Explain it to me in detail¡­¡± Gong Yibu grinned broadly. ¡°Yang Yi claims that his business is open to everyone.¡± ¡°All you have to do is invest your money, and the profits are shared based on how much you put in.¡± ¡°For example, if you invest ten taels of silver and choose to invest for ten days, you¡¯ll receive eleven taels back.¡± ¡°If you invest for half a month, you¡¯ll get twelve taels of silver. If you invest for a month, you¡¯ll get fifteen taels. And if you invest for a year, you¡¯ll receive a hundred taels back!¡± Balto¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°What? Tenfold return in one year?¡± ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I¡¯ve never heard of such a profitable business in my life!¡± Gong Yibu chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it either.¡± ¡°But now the entire capital is watching this.¡± ¡°Yang Yi¡¯s an envoy of Great Zhou; he can¡¯t just disappear with the money.¡± ¡°A lot of people have invested just to see what he¡¯s up to.¡± ¡°And with ten percent interest in ten days, it¡¯s worth a try.¡± Balto licked his lips, feeling tempted. ¡°Keep an eye on it. If the money really comes back, make sure to let me know.¡± Gong Yibu patted his chest confidently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we Iron Hat Princes stick together.¡± Seven Days Later The sun beat down mercilessly, scorching the bustling streets of the Qing Dynasty¡¯s capital. The entire city was alive with chatter, and everywhere you turned, people were discussing the hottest new trend: bonds. Word had it that this business was introduced by the Great Zhou envoy and promised substantial returns. ¡°Hey, have you heard? They say all you have to do is buy bonds and just wait for the money to roll in!¡± ¡°Impossible! How can there be such a good thing in the world?¡± ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t believe it either.¡± ¡°But my neighbor¡¯s sister¡¯s brother¡¯s son bought ten taels worth, and I heard he can cash them out tomorrow. I¡¯m going with him to see.¡± ¡°Yeah, I bought some too. They say you can make ten percent profit in ten days, and ten times that in a year!¡± ¡°, really? If I invest a thousand taels, won¡¯t I get back ten thousand in a year?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly what the envoy from Great Zhou said,¡± someone echoed excitedly. ¡°After all, he¡¯s an envoy from another country; he can¡¯t lie, right?¡± ¡°Anyway, the money will be distributed tomorrow. Let¡¯s go and see for ourselves!¡± Such conversations echoed through the streets and alleys. With Yang Yi¡¯s strategic use of paid promoters and word-of-mouth advertising, his ¡°Yang Bonds¡± were rapidly gaining popularity in the capital of the Qing Dynasty. The Next Day At the expansive mansion where Yang Yi resided, a bustling crowd gathered¡ªsome eager to cash in their bonds, others just curious to witness the spectacle. Although Qianlong was shameless in many ways, he still cared about appearances, so the mansion provided for Yang Yi was large enough to accommodate the throngs of people. Yang Yi had also arranged for the local yamen officers to maintain order. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, a young man holding a ten-tael bond stepped forward. Yang Yi opened his ledger, verified the information, and, with a smile, handed the young man eleven taels of silver. ¡°This is your capital plus interest. Take it.¡± Gasps rippled through the crowd as those in line watched with wide eyes and burning excitement. ¡°Oh my, they¡¯re actually handing out money!¡± Even the yamen officers tasked with keeping order were taken aback, jaws dropping in disbelief. They had come to witness a fiasco but were now witnessing something real. Seeing the gleaming silver, they couldn¡¯t help but beat their chests in regret. Damn it, they had missed an easy opportunity to make money! ¡°I wonder if this envoy from Great Zhou will issue more bonds?¡± one officer muttered. The young man, still in shock, stared at the eleven taels in his hand. Although it was just an extra tael of silver, it had only taken ten days. How many people could earn a tael in such a short time? And he hadn¡¯t done anything except invest ten taels. If he¡¯d put in a hundred, he¡¯d have made ten taels by now! Regret welled up in him, and he blurted out, ¡°I¡­ I want to buy more bonds. I want to invest another hundred taels!¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned stern, and he shook his head. ¡°Our bonds can only be purchased once a month per person. You¡¯ve already bought once, so you¡¯ll have to wait until next time.¡± ¡°What?¡± The young man¡¯s face fell. ¡°Why¡­ why is that?¡± Yang Yi pointed at the eager crowd behind him, a sly smile tugging at his lips. ¡°There are many others who want to make money. Our bonds have no shortage of customers.¡± ¡°Such a golden opportunity should be shared, don¡¯t you think? We¡¯re targeting the entire Qing Dynasty, not just you.¡± ¡°If you want to earn more, you need to invest a larger amount for a longer duration.¡± The young man was left crestfallen. He had initially been skeptical and had invested only to test the waters. He hadn¡¯t expected to actually make money. But now, with the restriction of one purchase per month, he regretted not investing more from the start. He clenched the eleven taels tightly, the coins digging into his palm, as if mocking his earlier caution. Just as he turned to leave, feeling defeated, Yang Yi¡¯s calm, confident voice floated to him, almost as if he were speaking directly to him¡ªor perhaps just thinking out loud. ¡°One person can only buy once, but don¡¯t you have siblings, parents, and relatives?¡± S~?a??h the N?velF?re.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. The young man¡¯s eyes widened, his cheeks flushed with newfound excitement. That¡¯s right! He could only buy once, but his father could buy this month! He hurried off, his mind racing. He would gather his father¡¯s savings and make a bigger investment. They were going to make a fortune. Chapter 27 - The Doubts of the Tang Dynasty Ministers Chapter 27: The Doubts of the Tang Dynasty MinistersGolden Temple ¡°A bond business? You just invest money and make a profit?¡± Qianlong looked at Fu Cha Fu Heng with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. ¡°Fu Heng, is this real or just some nonsense?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng hesitated. ¡°It sounds too good to be true, but¡­ my son had someone buy some bonds, and they actually paid out.¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°There¡¯s something fishy about this¡­ Yang Yi travels all the way to our Qing Capital and brings a profitable business with him? I thought he was here to discuss the marriage alliance on behalf of the Empress. How did this bond business suddenly come into play?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng remained silent, lost in thought. Qianlong¡¯s intuition screamed that something was amiss. His eyes flashed sharply. ¡°No matter what, keep a close watch on him. Let¡¯s see what kind of game he¡¯s playing!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded, sensing Yang Yi¡¯s actions were indeed peculiar, though there was nothing concrete to pin him down on yet. ¡­ Prince Kang¡¯s Mansion ¡°What? He really paid the money?¡± Prince Kang, Balto, was dumbfounded. He had never imagined that Yang Yi¡¯s bonds would actually deliver on their promises¡ªten percent interest every ten days! Even loan sharks didn¡¯t offer rates like that. Was Yang Yi some kind of miracle worker? Prince Rui Keqin, Gong Yibu, chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Yes, the payouts are real. And now, they¡¯ve even placed a limit on how many bonds you can buy. One purchase per person per month. Those who didn¡¯t invest enough are kicking themselves for missing out.¡± Balto felt a surge of temptation. His family was wealthy, but who could resist easy money? He eyed Gong Yibu suspiciously. ¡°Have you bought any bonds yourself?¡± Gong Yibu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯m waiting it out, watching carefully. Like you said, there¡¯s no such thing as free money. Ten percent interest every ten days? If someone buys for a year, they¡¯d end up with ten times the original amount. Unless Yang Yi¡¯s the God of Wealth, no one can keep that up, not even the richest of merchants. If it¡¯s real, we¡¯ll invest then.¡± Balto nodded, sharing the same cautious sentiment. He would wait and see. If the money was real, he¡¯d dive in. Tang Dynasty ¡°Interesting, very interesting¡­¡± Li Shimin murmured, eyes scanning the intelligence report before him, lot in thoughts. Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji, who stood beside Li Shimin, were also puzzled. After a long silence, Changsun Wuji stroked his beard, his narrow eyes showing a hint of confusion. Fang Xuanling shook his head and sighed. ¡°I must be getting old. I can¡¯t even discern the intentions of a young man like him.¡± Du Ruhui smiled wryly. ¡°If even you can¡¯t see through it, then we might as well give up. Yang Yi¡¯s actions are unpredictable and hard to understand.¡± Li Shimin nodded in agreement. ¡°Indeed¡­ Qianlong sent a provocative letter to the Zhou Dynasty, yet the Empress of Zhou acted as if nothing had happened and remained silent. Yang Yi¡¯s behavior is even stranger. He took the initiative to embark on a diplomatic mission to the Qing Dynasty¡­¡± ¡°Given his previous cunning tactics, how could he so easily withstand Qianlong¡¯s provocation? And the most baffling part is that his first action upon arriving in the Qing Capital was to start a business. I can¡¯t fathom his intentions at all.¡± Changsun Wuji said, his voice deep, ¡°No matter what, there¡¯s something peculiar about this bond business. We see it, and surely the people of the Qing Dynasty do too. Even though Emperor Qianlong is arrogant, he shouldn¡¯t be blind to the oddity of Yang Yi¡¯s actions.¡± ¡°Since Yang Yi is behaving so strangely in front of Qianlong, isn¡¯t he afraid that Qianlong will just arrest him?¡± Fang Xuanling and the others exchanged puzzled looks. After a while, Du Ruhui smiled wryly. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what¡¯s puzzling. If he¡¯s plotting something, he¡¯s still in their territory. If things go awry, he¡¯ll be caught immediately. Yet, his actions are so strange that they only serve to raise suspicions.¡± Everyone in the hall frowned, lost in thought. Li Shimin sighed inwardly. Even with the best minds in the Tang Dynasty gathered, they couldn¡¯t predict Yang Yi¡¯s next move. Yang Yi was truly formidable. Li Shimin sighed again. ¡°Apart from his strange behavior, just the bond business itself¡­ I heard that if you invest for ten days, you get ten percent interest. If you invest for a year, you receive ten times the principal and interest¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that akin to a wealth generator? How does he manage to make money?¡± Changsun Wuji and the others looked at each other and shook their heads. This young man was too enigmatic for anyone to fully understand. Qin Dynasty Inside Zhangtai Temple, a man with a stern face, dressed in a black, wide-sleeved dragon robe, squinted as he read the intelligence report before him. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Ying Zheng¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡°Continue to closely monitor the Qing Dynasty¡¯s movements.¡± Ying Zheng held the report in his hands, his mind racing. After consolidating power within Qin, he had turned his attention to the rest of the world. His lifelong ambition was to unify the entire world, and thus he kept a close watch on international affairs. Yang Yi¡¯s actions had caught his attention. The illogical nature of Yang Yi¡¯s maneuvers in the Qing Dynasty was particularly perplexing. The hall fell silent for a long time. Ying Zheng muttered to himself, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve encountered something and someone so intriguing. Even I can¡¯t figure him out¡­ this person is truly exceptional.¡± S?a??h th? N0v?lFire(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 28 - The Empress Worries! Chapter 28: The Empress¡¯ Worries! In the grand hall adorned with imperial insignia, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, sat with his back straight. ¡°Oh? Our neighbour is stirring up trouble again?¡± The elderly man, despite his gray hair, had eyes that were as sharp as ever. Mao Xiang stood before him, his head bowed slightly to avoid that piercing gaze. Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the note in his hand. Despite his decades of experience in battle and politics, he couldn¡¯t decipher the meaning behind it. ¡°Bonds?¡± he stroked his chin, frowning. ¡°Why can¡¯t I make sense of this?¡± He thought for a while but couldn¡¯t figure it out. Finally, he said, ¡°Have the brocade guards keep a close watch. I refuse to believe that someone who could resolve the grain crisis in Hangzhou would act without a reason¡­¡± Mao Xiang bowed respectfully. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± In the Zhou Dynasty, Wu Zhao paced back and forth, her brows furrowed in thought. ¡°Wan¡¯er, what do you think he¡¯s trying to do?¡± Wu Zhao frowned. ¡°He confidently told me he would take money from the Qing people, but now he¡¯s lending money to them. I don¡¯t understand the scheme he¡¯s setting up or his purpose.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er pondered for a moment but eventually shook her head. ¡°Wan¡¯er cannot figure it out either. Lord Yang¡¯s actions are often unpredictable and reckless. Only when his plan comes to fruition will we truly understand. For now¡­ it¡¯s all a mystery.¡± Wu Zhao sighed, setting the intelligence report aside. She clasped her hands behind her back, walked to the window, and looked out at the clear sky. ¡°I know he¡¯s taking a huge risk this time, which is why I¡¯m so puzzled. His plan is impossible to read. If he were on the outside, it would be one thing, but he¡¯s deep in the Qing Capital. If he¡¯s exposed, he won¡¯t even have a chance to escape¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s lips curved into a small smile. ¡°Your Majesty need not worry about Lord Yang. Someone as cunning as him would surely have an escape route planned.¡± Wu Zhao nodded instinctively. ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± She paused, then shot a sharp look at Shangguan Wan¡¯er. ¡°My concern for him is purely that of a ruler for her minister¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er gave an innocent smile. ¡°Wan¡¯er never suggested otherwise, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Anyone who wants to buy bonds, line up properly! One at a time, no need to rush. Register your information first!¡± A soldier¡¯s deep voice commanded as he maintained order. Outside the courtyard, a line stretched for hundreds of meters. Qing citizens, clutching their money bags, eagerly waited their turn. Inside the house, Yang Yi watched the scene with a faint smile. ¡°Send more people to spread the news about making money with bonds. The farther it spreads, the better.¡± A guard nodded respectfully. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± He quickly retreated to carry out the order. Yang Yi stroked his chin, turning to Li Cunxiao and Dian Wei. ¡°Did you buy the souvenirs and specialties I asked for?¡± Li Cunxiao nodded. ¡°Yes, sir, everything is prepared.¡± Dian Wei scratched his head. ¡°Sir, what¡¯s the point of buying these souvenirs?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a mysterious smile. ¡°Oh, they¡¯ll be useful soon enough.¡± The days passed quickly, and soon, a month had gone by. Yang Yi¡¯s bonds were due for redemption once again. Outside the courtyard, the crowd buzzed with anticipation. ¡°One thousand taels of bonds deposited for one month, now with interest and principal, totaling fifteen hundred taels of silver. Here you go,¡± a Great Zhou guard announced as he counted the money, handing it to a Qing citizen¡ªa middle-aged woman trembling with excitement. In just one month, she had earned five hundred taels! It was more profitable than loan sharking and far easier than running a business. The people in line erupted in chatter, their eyes glued to the thick bundle of silver. Temptation and greed sparked among the crowd. ¡°This is crazy! It¡¯s faster than stealing money!¡± The news of earning fifteen hundred taels from one thousand in just a month quickly spread through the capital, causing a new frenzy. It wasn¡¯t just the common folk anymore¡ªwealthy merchants, who had once been skeptical, found themselves unable to resist the lure of such quick profits. ¡°Brother Liu, you¡¯re buying bonds too?¡± ¡°Yes, and you?¡± ¡°Of course! Buying bonds is much faster than doing business. I have to buy!¡± ¡°But I¡¯ve heard some people say there might be something wrong with these bonds.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Didn¡¯t everyone get their money? My second aunt¡¯s child invested five hundred taels and got seven hundred and fifty back! That¡¯s a huge profit.¡± ¡°Wow, it¡¯s like stealing money!¡± ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go. If you¡¯re scared, just buy a little.¡± ¡°No way¡ªI¡¯ve mortgaged my house. I¡¯m buying five thousand taels for a year!¡± s?a??h th? N?velF?re.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Although many sharp minds in the capital suspected something was amiss with Yang Yi¡¯s bonds, seeing others getting rich quick made even the most cautious grow envious. Wealthy families and merchants who once hesitated began to jump in, unable to resist the temptation. In Prince Kang¡¯s mansion, the tension was palpable. ¡°Prince Kang, this time we can buy too!¡± Gong Yibu said with a greedy grin. ¡°I¡¯ve secretly bought several times, and there haven¡¯t been any problems. Yang Yi has been here for nearly two months. If something was wrong, we¡¯d have known by now.¡± Prince Kang, Balto, fidgeted on his seat. He gritted his teeth. ¡°But I just can¡¯t believe there¡¯s such easy money¡­¡± Gong Yibu slapped his thigh in excitement. ¡°Even if there¡¯s a problem, so what? We¡¯ll just invest short-term, for a month. He can¡¯t run off that fast!¡± Balto¡¯s eyes flickered with greed, and he breathed heavily. ¡°Prince Fu invested ten thousand taels last time and made five thousand.¡± Balto¡¯s chest heaved, overtaken by intense greed. ¡°We¡¯ll buy for one month. This time, we¡¯ll go big¡­¡± Gong Yibu chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared two hundred thousand taels. In a month, that¡¯ll be three hundred thousand.¡± Balto¡¯s eyes took on a gambler¡¯s gleam. ¡°It¡¯s been two months without a hitch. I¡¯ll bet nothing happens in the next month either. I¡¯m going in with four hundred thousand taels.¡± Gong Yibu gasped, stunned by the enormous sum. Even for a prince, four hundred thousand taels was no small amount. Prince Kang was betting big. The two continued their discussion late into the evening. By the time Gong Yibu finally left the mansion, night had fully fallen. Clouds gathered, veiling the moonlight, and the pitch-black night felt like an enormous net cast over the capital, plunging the entire city into a silent, dark slumber. Chapter 29 - The Yang Scheme! Chapter 29: The Yang Scheme! Although it was late at night, the vast Qing Imperial Palace was still aglow, lit as brightly as day. Inside the Golden Throne Hall, red candles burned steadily, their wax dripping slowly, staining the ornate stands. Qianlong, wrapped in a yellow-brown dragon robe, sat on his throne, his eyes reflecting a glint of greed. ¡°Prince Zheng and Prince Su have joined in as well?¡± Qianlong¡¯s voice held a trace of disdain. S?a??h th? N?velF?re.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. ¡°, Prince Rui keeps running to Prince Kang every day. I bet he¡¯s getting anxious.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded calmly. ¡°Prince Rui has indeed been quite active these past few days.¡± Qianlong¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°He¡¯s both greedy and cowardly. He won¡¯t act unless he drags others along. What a fool.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng remained silent. What the emperor could say so freely, he could not afford to echo. Qianlong barely noticed his advisor¡¯s quiet demeanor, his attention fixated elsewhere. ¡°It¡¯s been more than two months now. What do you think Yang Yi is up to?¡± Qianlong¡¯s tone turned contemplative. ¡°He¡¯s been stalling with the Ministry of Rites about the marriage alliance, dodging any clear answers. It¡¯s as if he has no interest in the alliance at all. Instead, he¡¯s fully engrossed in this bond business of his. Do you find it strange?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng studied Qianlong, sensing a hint of unease beneath the emperor¡¯s facade. As one of Qianlong¡¯s closest advisors, he knew this man¡¯s capricious nature well; stubborn and proud, yet occasionally prone to moments of introspection when his own desires were at stake. After a pause, Fu Cha Fu Heng replied cautiously, ¡°I¡¯m not certain, Your Majesty, but a lot of people have indeed profited from his business during this time.¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, and a greedy glint sparked in his eyes. ¡°What if I were to invest a few hundred thousand taels myself?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng almost smiled¡ªhe had anticipated this. Still, he hesitated. ¡°Your Majesty, I am not wise enough to advise on such matters¡­¡± Qianlong waved his hand dismissively, a touch of impatience flickering in his expression. ¡°Fu Heng, you¡¯re far too timid. Even if I invest a few hundred thousand taels, what of it? That fellow is on my turf. If things go awry, where could he possibly run?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng found himself reluctantly nodding. The emperor¡¯s logic was sound, albeit dangerously overconfident. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s insight is unmatched.¡± Pleased that his minister offered no objections, Qianlong¡¯s smile widened as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ll start with fifty thousand taels from my private treasury¡­¡± In truth, Qianlong¡¯s ambition ran far deeper. If it weren¡¯t for the potential backlash and damage to his reputation, he would have considered detaining Yang Yi outright and seizing every last tael. But the risk of infuriating the citizen investors was too great. For now, investing himself was the safest course. A quick profit of seventy-five thousand taels in a month¡ªhow could he lose? Three days later, in a private residence far from the palace, Yang Yi listened intently as his guard reported. ¡°Lord Yang, in the past few days, more people than ever have come to buy bonds. This month alone, the total value of gold, silver, and jewels received exceeds three million taels.¡± The guard paused, flipping through the account book. ¡°Today, someone even invested fifty thousand taels, using famous paintings and antiques as collateral.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. In the dim candlelight, his handsome features appeared even sharper, his expression unreadable but undeniably pleased. He smiled, a hint of satisfaction on his face. ¡°These famous paintings and calligraphy, only the nobles would bring them out.¡± The bonds he issued could be bought with gold, silver, jewels, or valuable antiques and artworks as collateral, but he did not accept property deeds or land titles. Those had to be mortgaged elsewhere for money to buy bonds. After all, property deeds and land titles were useless when it came to escaping. Yang Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Have you found out everything I asked you to investigate?¡± A guard beside him replied, ¡°To inform you, sir, we have found out. In ten days, the Qing Crown Prince¡¯s birthday banquet will be held, and most of the officials will attend.¡± Yang Yi nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his face. ¡°Then we will leave in ten days.¡± These people were greedy for his interest, but little did they know that he was after their principal! Ten days later, Qianlong¡¯s eldest son, Aisin Gioro Yonghuang, held a grand birthday banquet and invited all the civil and military officials. As Qianlong¡¯s eldest son, he was not favored, so his position was not secure. This banquet was a way for him to win over the court officials, to see who would support him. As the envoy of the Zhou Dynasty and the recently prominent Yang Yi, he was naturally among those invited. At the Zhou Dynasty envoy¡¯s residence, Yang Yi addressed his men with calm determination. ¡°In an hour, when it gets dark, we will leave.¡± Everyone saluted. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Yang Yi nodded slightly, his gaze falling on a person not far away. The man, dressed similarly to him, bore a striking resemblance to him, almost ninety percent alike. Yang Yi nodded with satisfaction. Over the past few days, he had used makeup techniques acquired through the system to personally disguise this death warrior. The death warrior, with a similar height and build, now bore an uncanny likeness to Yang Yi. He would be useful tonight. Unless someone was very familiar with Yang Yi, they wouldn¡¯t notice anything wrong. ¡­ One hour later, night fell. At the Crown Prince¡¯s residence, under the watchful eyes of many, the Zhou envoy ¡°Yang Yi¡± arrived with gifts. Meanwhile, at the capital¡¯s dock, ten large cargo ships slowly sailed by. ¡°Stop¡­ What are you doing?¡± A Qing soldier stopped the cargo ships for a routine inspection. Inside the ship, Li Cunxiao held up the token Qianlong had given to Yang Yi, his expression indifferent. The Qing soldier¡¯s face changed, and he quickly stepped back. ¡°Forgive me, sir!¡± the soldier said hastily, waving at his men. ¡°Let them pass!¡± Moments later, the ten cargo ships, bearing the Qing royal insignia, quietly left the capital. On the last freighter, Yang Yi, dressed in a black robe, looked at the receding capital with a faint smile on his lips. ¡°The high-flying bird perishes from greed, the fish in the deep pool dies from the fragrant bait,¡± he murmured. ¡°Greed and the love of profit are the roots of national destruction and personal ruin.¡± Chapter 30 - The Qing Citizens Go Mad! Chapter 30: The Qing Citizens Go Mad!The next day, at the residence of the Zhou Dynasty envoy, Zhang Lei arrived with his master¡¯s money bag, ready to buy more bonds. He was a servant in Prince Rui¡¯s household and had come on his master¡¯s orders. Although each person was allowed to buy bonds only once, the nobles had no trouble using others¡¯ identities to make additional purchases. As Zhang Lei reached the residence, he noticed a large crowd gathered in front, murmuring among themselves. ¡°Huh, why isn¡¯t it open today?¡± someone asked, frowning at the closed gates. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± another replied. ¡°I heard there was a grand banquet for the Crown Prince yesterday. The Zhou envoy probably attended and got drunk. They¡¯re probably just opening late today.¡± ¡°Good point,¡± someone else chimed in. ¡°Should we come back this afternoon?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s not open,¡± grumbled another. ¡°I was hoping to make more money today.¡± ¡°Yes, looks like we have no choice but to leave for now.¡± Zhang Lei listened to the chatter around him, but something felt off. The Zhou envoy rarely showed up in person, and even if he was delayed, his subordinates were always there to manage things. Still, with the residence closed, there wasn¡¯t much he could do but wait. Half a day passed, and the crowd outside the residence only grew larger. Many citizens gathered, buzzing with excitement, eagerly discussing how much money they hoped to make from their bonds. ¡°, it¡¯s Brother Liu! I bought almost three thousand taels worth of bonds for one month!¡± one man boasted. ¡°Only one month? I invested five thousand taels for a year,¡± another said proudly. ¡°By next year, I¡¯ll have earned fifty thousand taels.¡± ¡°I really envy you,¡± a third lamented. ¡°I can¡¯t make that much money.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve poured all of our family¡¯s savings into this,¡± someone else admitted. ¡°Opportunities to make money like this are rare; we have to seize them while we can.¡± ¡°But why hasn¡¯t the residence opened yet?¡± one woman wondered aloud. ¡°It¡¯s been a whole day with no activity. Do you think something might have happened?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t scare me like that!¡± another cried, anxiety creeping into their voice. As evening approached, the sky turned a brilliant red, and though some in the crowd were anxious, the atmosphere remained mostly upbeat. But as night fell, with stars dotting the dark sky and a lone moon hanging high above, the mood shifted. The faces of the people outside the residence began to look worried. Some were there to buy bonds, while others had already invested and brought friends and family along, eager to join in. But now, Yang Yi¡¯s villa had been eerily quiet for an entire day. Despite the growing crowd and the commotion outside, not a single servant had come out to address them. The unsettling silence cast a dark shadow over everyone¡¯s hearts. ¡°Could they have run away?¡± someone muttered, voice laced with fear. The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Zhang Lei swallowed hard, cold sweat beading on his forehead. His master had invested nearly hundreds of thousands of taels in bonds. If something had gone wrong¡­ The mere thought of it sent a shiver down Zhang Lei¡¯s spine. The crowd began to grow restless, their conversations turning into nervous whispers. Suddenly, someone in the crowd suggested, ¡°There¡¯s no sound at all from inside. Why don¡¯t we go in and take a look?¡± As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd nodded in agreement. Despite knowing it was wrong to barge into someone¡¯s villa, the silence from Yang Yi¡¯s residence made them uneasy about their entire fortune. Yet, even with their concerns, no one moved. After all, trespassing was illegal, especially when it came to the residence of an envoy. Seeing that no one dared to act, Zhang Lei gritted his teeth and stepped forward, gently pushing the door. He didn¡¯t have time to waste. If something had indeed gone wrong, Prince Rui would not spare him. To everyone¡¯s shock, the door, seemingly unlocked, swung open effortlessly, revealing an empty courtyard inside. Zhang Lei¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The door wasn¡¯t even locked? He dashed inside, and the scene that greeted him nearly made him faint. The courtyard was empty, and the doors of the house stood wide open. Inside, there was nothing left. It was as if the entire place had been ransacked. The envoys from Da Zhou had fled! The crowd behind him surged forward, pouring into the courtyard. As they took in the scene, a heavy silence fell. Everyone¡¯s breathing grew rapid, their hopes crumbling before their eyes. Zhang Lei turned and was startled by the sight. The eyes of those around him were bloodshot, like volcanoes on the verge of eruption. For three breaths, there was only silence. Then, someone¡¯s voice, hoarse and filled with despair, broke the quiet. ¡°They ran away!¡± The words were like a spark in a powder keg, and the crowd instantly erupted into chaos. ¡°They ran away? What about my money!¡± ¡°Impossible! How could they run? How could they possibly escape?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where are the bonds? Where¡¯s my money? That was my father¡¯s life savings!¡± ¡°They¡¯ve all run away! Report this to the authorities!¡± In an instant, panic spread like wildfire. People screamed and shouted, their hopes dashed. Those bonds represented everything they had. Zhang Lei¡¯s head buzzed, his vision dimming. Could it really be true? Had Yang Yi truly run away? As far as Zhang Lei knew, it wasn¡¯t just Prince Rui who had invested. Other princes, like Prince Kang, Prince Zheng, and Prince Su, had also poured tens of thousands of taels into these bonds. Now that Yang Yi had fled, it felt as though the sky had collapsed. In the Imperial Palace, within the Golden Throne Hall, Fu Cha Fu Heng rushed in, his face pale and frantic. ¡°Your Majesty, something terrible has happened.¡± Qianlong paused, his brush freezing in mid-air as he studied his usually composed minister. Fu Cha Fu Heng had been by his side for decades and had never appeared so distraught. What could have happened to shake him like this? Qianlong attempted to calm him, ¡°Fu Heng, what¡¯s wrong? Speak slowly¡­¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng wiped the cold sweat from his brow with his wide sleeve, his hands trembling. ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Yi has fled.¡± . S~?a??h the N?v?lFire.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. The brush slipped from Qianlong¡¯s grasp, staining the paper below with a large blot of ink, ruining the freshly written script. But at that moment, he couldn¡¯t care less. His eyes widened in disbelief, his scalp tingling as the full weight of the news sank in. ¡°Fled?¡± Chapter 31 - Qianlong Faints in Rage! Great Zhou officials stunned! Chapter 31: Qianlong Faints in Rage! Great Zhou officials stunned! Cold sweat soaked Fu Cha Fu Heng¡¯s back as he gritted his teeth and nodded. ¡°Today, the citizens who went to buy bonds found the villa locked. When someone pushed open the door, they discovered it was completely empty. They must have escaped this morning!¡± Qianlong¡¯s vision darkened, and he staggered, nearly collapsing. Fu Cha Fu Heng quickly stepped forward, supporting him. The emperor, usually so composed, was now on the verge of losing control. His eyes, bloodshot and filled with rage, nearly roared, ¡°Quickly, mobilize the troops and block all the roads out of the capital!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded swiftly. ¡°Your Majesty, before I came to the palace, I already ordered the roads to be sealed. Rest assured, with so much luggage, they won¡¯t easily pass through our checkpoints.¡± Qianlong¡¯s emotions stabilized slightly under his minister¡¯s reassurance. Fu Cha Fu Heng was right. At that moment, a tall man in a deep purple robe rushed into the hall. ¡°Your Majesty, Lord Fu Heng¡­ News from the capital¡¯s dock: last night, someone used Your Majesty¡¯s token to leave the capital by water.¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Fu Cha Fu Heng, equally stunned, glanced at the emperor, who suddenly recalled Yang Yi¡¯s words¡ªhow he had expressed interest in buying souvenirs and praised the grandeur of the capital. In his delight, Qianlong had casually given Yang Yi some cargo ships and a travel token. Amid the frenzy of the bond business, he had completely forgotten about this gesture. Now, that scoundrel had used his travel token to flee the capital. Qianlong felt fury surging within him, trapped in his chest, unable to rise or fall. Clutching his chest, his voice shook with outrage. ¡°Scoundrel! Truly a scoundrel!¡± He turned his glare to the official who had brought the news. ¡°Ne Qin, didn¡¯t I order you to keep a close eye on those people from Great Zhou?¡± S?a??h th? N?v?lFire.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Ne Qin looked just as exasperated. ¡°Your Majesty, my men have been watching them closely. Those Great Zhou envoys were still seen buying souvenirs on the streets yesterday. We were tricked. They pretended to be shopping and secretly boarded a boat last night!¡± The sound of hurried footsteps echoed again. Another man, clad in official robes, burst into the hall, his face pale with panic. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he called out urgently. ¡°There is chaos in the capital. Thousands of citizens have gathered at the Yamen, demanding their money back!¡± Qianlong nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± an elderly voice suddenly sounded. Everyone turned to see Prince Kang, accompanied by several other princes, rushing over, their faces pale. ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Yi has escaped with nearly a million taels of our wealth. You must seek justice for us!¡± Prince Kang pleaded, his voice trembling with indignation. Qianlong¡¯s vision blurred, and before anyone could react, he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± The surrounding officials cried out in alarm, rushing to his side. News of Yang Yi¡¯s escape spread like wildfire throughout the capital. Citizens who had invested in bonds flocked to the Yamen, desperate and enraged. The Capital was soon surrounded by tens of thousands of people, their collective fury boiling over. The officials inside were drenched in sweat, paralyzed by the looming threat of a mutiny. If things spiraled further, they could lose their positions, or worse. ¡°It¡¯s over; it¡¯s all over. I invested every coin I had saved,¡± one man lamented, his voice cracking. ¡°What do you know? I even mortgaged my house!¡± another shouted, his face twisted in anguish. ¡°Damn those Great Zhou emissaries! They actually ran away with everything!¡± ¡°Make the government catch them!¡± the crowd roared, voices blending into a sea of anger. The scene was like a pot of boiling water; the citizens¡¯ eyes were red with fury, and the tension was thick enough to set the Yamen a flame. The officers tasked with maintaining order were no different¡ªthey, too, had invested their savings. Their faces were ashen, each one wearing an expression of utter despair, as if they were mourning their own misfortune. With no officials coming out to address the crowd, the citizens¡¯ fury only grew stronger, feeding off the shared sense of betrayal. Inside the Yamen, the atmosphere was no better. The officers sat pale-faced, listening to the deafening shouts outside. They felt like hollow shells, unable to face the reality of their losses. After what felt like an eternity, one official suddenly erupted, slamming his fist on the table. ¡°Damn it! How could they run away? I invested my father-in-law¡¯s life savings in this scam!¡± His outburst seemed to mirror the unspoken anguish of everyone present, their frustrations boiling over. Yang Yi had truly ruined them all. ¡­ Meanwhile, in Great Zhou. At Qianyuan Temple, Shangguan Wan¡¯er rushed in, her usually composed demeanor visibly shaken, her pale face flushed. Wu Zhao, weary from the affairs of state, rubbed her temples. ¡°What is it?¡± Panting slightly, Shangguan Wan¡¯er exclaimed, ¡°Lord Yang has returned¡­¡± Wu Zhao shot up from her seat, all composure forgotten. Her dark, clear eyes gleamed with an intensity rarely seen. ¡°Where?¡± ¡°Right in front of the Hall of Political Affairs,¡± Wan¡¯er replied, struggling to contain her excitement. Wu Zhao¡¯s heart raced with anticipation. ¡°Let¡¯s go and see¡­¡± Moments later, the Empress and her entourage arrived at the Hall of Political Affairs. Before them, dozens of mule carts were lined up, each laden with heavy boxes. A large group of officials gathered around, their eyes wide with disbelief. Chancellor Xu Jingzong, stroking his graying beard, could hardly contain his astonishment. ¡°Minister Yang, are you saying that the wealth inside those boxes is worth tens of millions of taels?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with awe. Chapter 32 - The Empress Shock! The Yang Scam! Chapter 32: The Empress¡¯ Shock! The Yang Scam!Under the watchful eyes of the gathered officials, Yang Yi smiled and calmly explained, ¡°Conservatively estimated, it¡¯s over ten million taels¡­ The actual silver is only a portion; a large part consists of antiques and paintings.¡± His words sent a wave of astonishment through the crowd. Even Chancellor Xu Jingzong, who was usually unflappable, stared at the mule carts with trembling eyes. S?a?ch* Th? N0??F?re.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Li Yifu¡¯s face flushed red with disbelief. How could this young upstart swindle such a vast sum and return from Qing unscathed? Driven by jealousy and suspicion, he stepped forward and pried open the nearest box. A collective gasp rose from the crowd. The box was filled to the brim with glistening gold. Li Yifu¡¯s entire body quivered as he stared at the gleaming treasure. He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. Could this really be gold? Had Yang Yi truly managed to pull off such an audacious feat? Overwhelmed with disbelief and a burning envy, Li Yifu continued opening the boxes one by one. Each container revealed more jewels, paintings, antiques, and gold bars, dazzling in their abundance. As each box opened, his face grew paler, and his heart sank deeper. Yang Yi had actually succeeded. The surrounding officials were equally stunned, their minds struggling to process the unimaginable wealth before them. How had Minister Yang achieved this? Xu Jingzong and the other high-ranking officials, who were accustomed to the riches of the court, were left speechless. The treasure before them represented a staggering sum¡ªnearly half of Great Zhou¡¯s annual tax revenue. ¡°Minister Yang is truly remarkable,¡± one official murmured, breaking the silence. All eyes turned to Yang Yi, now filled with a mixture of shock, admiration, and awe. Just then, a palace maid¡¯s voice rang out, clear and melodious: ¡°The Emperor is coming¡­¡± The Empress¡¯s grand carriage appeared, and the officials immediately bowed. ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty.¡± Wu Zhao acknowledged their greetings with a casual nod, her eyes quickly finding Yang Yi. Though her face remained composed, her heart raced with a mix of relief and excitement. ¡°Minister Yang, are you alright?¡± she asked, her tone calm despite her inner turmoil. Yang Yi clasped his hands and bowed, a confident smile on his face. ¡°I report to Your Majesty, I have not failed in my mission.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes widened as she turned her gaze to the treasure-laden carts beside her. The sunlight reflected off the gold and jewels, creating a blinding spectacle. She was momentarily speechless, her usually calm demeanor shaken by the sheer magnitude of the wealth displayed before her. ¡°What is all this?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with incredulity. Shangguan Wan¡¯er and the other officials were equally dumbfounded, their eyes fixed on the glittering treasures. It was as if they were witnessing a dream unfold before them. Yang Yi stepped forward, his voice steady and respectful. ¡°Your Majesty, after reaching Qing, I issued bonds that sparked a frenzy among the nobles and commoners. In just three months, I collected these treasures. There are eight million taels of gold and silver, and the value of the antiques and paintings is no less than seven million taels combined.¡± A collective hiss of astonishment swept through the crowd. The sheer scale of the fortune left everyone in stunned silence. To a mass treasures worth over ten million taels was an achievement beyond imagination. The sight of so much wealth, tangible and real, was overwhelming even to the most seasoned among them. Wu Zhao, the Empress of Great Zhou, who had seen and experienced so much, found herself momentarily at a loss for words. This was the first time she had ever witnessed such a vast fortune laid out before her eyes. Wu Zhao turned her head with some difficulty, her clear black eyes clouded with confusion as she stared at Yang Yi. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your bond business in the Qing Dynasty¡­ but I also heard that the interest rates you offered were astonishingly high. How did you manage that? And this money¡­¡± Everyone present fixed their eyes on Yang Yi with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. Even Li Yifu, consumed by jealousy, couldn¡¯t help but lean in, desperate to understand the secret behind such a profitable venture. Yang Yi smiled, a peculiar glint in his handsome eyes. ¡°Your Majesty, the scheme I devised is quite simple. It¡¯s all about exploiting human greed.¡± ¡°The bonds I issued promised a ten percent return in ten days, fifty percent in a month, and a tenfold return in a year. Such high rates were irresistible. People couldn¡¯t suppress their greed and flocked to buy them¡­¡± ¡°At first, some were skeptical, so we refunded their principal and interest in full to gain their trust. We even set a limit¡ªeach person could only buy once a month. This way, those who bought less regretted it, and those who hadn¡¯t bought at all became desperate to invest big the next time.¡± ¡°We repeated this cycle a few times, and the demand surged. To pay the interest, I used a classic strategy: robbing Peter to pay Paul. The funds from new bond buyers covered the payouts to earlier investors. The cash flow snowballed, growing larger with each cycle.¡± Yang Yi paused, letting the enormity of his plan sink in before continuing. ¡°But of course, such a scheme is bound to collapse eventually when the cash flow becomes unsustainable. So, I only ran it for three months. When they invested the most, I took the money and ran.¡± He glanced at the stunned faces around him, his voice steady and unapologetic. ¡°The so-called bond business never made a real profit. They were chasing my promised interest, but I was always after their capital.¡± The room fell into a stunned silence. Everyone seemed to hold their breath, grappling with the audacity of Yang Yi¡¯s scheme. The realization dawned on them: the staggering wealth before them was not just a windfall¡ªit was the spoils of a ruthless and calculated con. Yang Yi had pulled off the impossible: he had run off with the Qing people¡¯s money right under their noses. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes were filled with a mix of shock and admiration. This was the first time she had witnessed such a grand scheme, executed with chilling precision. ¡°So, you simply left them¡­ and those people?¡± Wu Zhao asked, still trying to wrap her mind around the enormity of the plan. Yang Yi chuckled softly. ¡°Many of them were nobles and wealthy merchants. They pawned everything they had¡ªhouses, land, even family heirlooms¡ªto buy my bonds. Now, with their investments gone, they¡¯re bankrupt. They have nothing left. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they start tearing down the Qing government offices in their rage.¡± A collective hiss of disbelief swept through the room. Scalps tingled, and shivers ran down spines as everyone absorbed Yang Yi¡¯s words. Even Shangguan Wan¡¯er and the other officials, usually composed, were left staring at him in awe. Yang Yi hadn¡¯t just swindled Qing¡¯s wealth; he had planted the seeds of chaos, leaving a colossal mess for Qianlong to clean up. His strategy was ruthless, calculating, and brilliant¡ªa perfectly executed gambit that would haunt their rivals for years. Qianlong, no doubt, would be furious beyond words. Chapter 33 - A True Talent for Government! Zhu Yuanzhangs Apprehension! Chapter 33: A True Talent for Government! Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s Apprehension!The Empress¡¯s expression was incredibly vivid, a mix of astonishment and delight she hadn¡¯t shown in a long time. She had never expected Yang Yi to devise such an elaborate scheme to ensnare the Qing people. No wonder he had warned her that his plan might disturb the harmony. This move was indeed ruthless! But she couldn¡¯t deny the satisfaction she felt. Back then, Qianlong had deeply insulted her, and now Yang Yi had struck back with a blow that would leave the Qing Emperor reeling. She felt vindicated, almost refreshed by the turn of events. Wu Zhao contemplated for a moment, her gaze turning shrewd. ¡°You¡¯ve taken all that money, and Qianlong will not let this go easily. How should our Great Zhou respond?¡± Yang Yi chuckled, his confidence unshaken. ¡°The Qing Emperor recently proposed a marriage alliance with our Great Zhou¡ªa blatant insult. We cannot allow that to stand! I implore Your Majesty to issue an immediate edict and declare war on the Qing!¡± The room fell silent. They had just swindled the Qing people out of a fortune, and now they were planning to declare war? The villain was striking first and crying foul! Qianlong would surely explode with fury. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°How could I have nearly forgotten about this perfect excuse?¡± She raised her phoenix-like brows, sneering. ¡°Qianlong dared to humiliate Great Zhou in such a manner. Now it¡¯s time for us to demand an explanation.¡± With the newfound wealth, the Empress was emboldened. War required funds, and now, with these resources, Great Zhou could support a full-scale conflict against the Qing. The Qing Dynasty, meanwhile, was in chaos, with Qianlong struggling to contain the turmoil. He wouldn¡¯t have the means to fight back against Great Zhou. ¡­ At the same time, within the walls of Great Tang, in the Imperial Hall of Supreme Jurisdiction, the atmosphere was no less tense. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Changsun Wuji burst into the hall, displaying a surprising nimbleness despite his rotund figure. Li Shimin raised an eyebrow at his haste. ¡°What is it, Wuji?¡± Changsun Wuji¡¯s face was painted with an odd expression. ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Yi has fled with the loan money!¡± ¡°What?!¡± Li Shimin¡¯s voice rang out in disbelief. The other officials of Great Tang were equally shocked. Fang Xuanling furrowed his brow. ¡°Wuji , is this true?¡± Li Xiaogong, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, and the others all stared at Changsun Wuji, eager to hear more. Changsun Wuji sighed wryly. ¡°The news has caused an enormous uproar in the Qing Dynasty. Right now, there are tens of thousands of people outside the Qing Palace, demanding their money back. Qianlong must be losing his mind.¡± A collective gasp filled the room as Li Xiaogong, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, and Gao Shilian all absorbed the shocking revelation. No one had expected Yang Yi to be this audacious! Li Shimin¡¯s eyes widened as he grasped the edges of his dragon throne. ¡°He actually ran off with the money!¡± His disbelief was palpable, mirrored in the faces of his officials. The Imperial Hall fell into a long, heavy silence. Finally, Fang Xuanling broke the stillness with a sigh. ¡°So that¡¯s the real story¡­¡± ¡°No wonder Yang Yi was selling bonds in the Qing Dynasty.¡± Everyone turned to Fang Xuanling, puzzled. Li Shimin stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Xuanling, are you saying¡­?¡± Fang Xuanling nodded with a wry smile. ¡°Your Majesty, weren¡¯t we all perplexed as to why Yang Yi was posing as a wealthy playboy in the Qing capital?¡± Li Shimin nodded instinctively, his eyes narrowing as realization dawned on him. ¡°You mean, he had planned this from the start? Using high interest rates to lure investors, while his true goal was always their principal? He never intended to pay the promised returns!¡± ¡°Precisely, Your Majesty,¡± Fang Xuanling said, his tone tinged with admiration for the boldness of the plan. ¡°He used a classic pyramid scheme¡ªpaying earlier investors with the funds from the new ones. He was simply robbing Peter to pay Paul, and when the cash flow was at its peak, he disappeared.¡± ¡°In this way, he could create the illusion of high investment and high returns,¡± Fang Xuanling continued, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and trepidation. ¡°Once people saw the profits, they would invest even more, spreading the word and drawing in more investors. As more people joined, Yang Yi amassed a huge sum. But the longer the scheme continued, the more unsustainable it became.¡± ¡°In the end, it was just robbing Peter to pay Paul, not truly generating wealth. So, he chose to flee at the height of his success, when everyone believed the bond business was thriving and least likely to collapse. He caught everyone off guard and made a clean exit!¡± Fang Xuanling sighed deeply. ¡°This man has a profound understanding of economics and human nature¡ªa natural talent for leadership. But his scheme is malicious and insidious. It could ruin tens of thousands of families in the Qing, potentially impacting millions of lives!¡± With Fang Xuanling¡¯s words hanging in the air, the hall fell into an eerie silence. Changsun Wuji, Li Xiaogong, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, Gao Shilian, and the other high-ranking officials of Great Tang sat in stunned disbelief. It was unbelievably audacious! Here was a strategist who had personally stepped into the game, woven a web of deceit, preyed on human greed, and cast a net wide enough to trap the entire Qing Dynasty¡ªonly to escape with unimaginable wealth right under their noses. This was a legendary, textbook scam! Even the seasoned minds of Great Tang couldn¡¯t help but admit that if they had been in the same situation, they, too, might have fallen into the trap. Yang Yi¡¯s brilliance was terrifying. Li Shimin¡¯s gaze turned contemplative, filled with a mix of admiration and unease. After a long pause, he let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Such a strategy, such boldness¡­ why is he not serving as a minister of Great Tang?¡± The room fell silent again. Even the proud officials of Great Tang couldn¡¯t deny the anxiety they felt before such a genius. Faced with Yang Yi, none of them could confidently say they would outsmart him. ¡­ Meanwhile, in the Ming Dynasty¡­ ¡°Good, good, good.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s piercing eyes glimmered with amusement. ¡°That boy has truly given the Qing people a beating. It pleases me greatly.¡± Zhu Biao, standing beside him, remained silent, curiosity piqued about this Minister Yang of Great Zhou. The Ming and Qing had always been mortal enemies. Back when Zhu Yuanzhang fought Zhang Shicheng, Chen Youliang, and other rivals, the Qing Emperor had tried to take advantage of the chaos and invade. Fortunately, Zhu Yuanzhang had swept aside all challengers and established the Ming Empire, solidifying the enmity between the Ming and Qing. Now, seeing Qianlong in such turmoil, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn¡¯t help but feel vindicated. As the laughter in the hall subsided, Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°However, this Yang Yi from Zhou is indeed a formidable character. I hope our Ming Dynasty never has to face him in the future.¡± Turning to his son, he mused, ¡°Brother Biao, I hear he¡¯s an orphan. What do you think of sending someone to the Zhou Dynasty to bring him here? Perhaps we could marry one of your sisters to him and make him one of our own.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. ¡°This young man isn¡¯t very old, and he could be a great help to you in the future. The young officials we have left in Ming are far too disappointing.¡± s?a??h th? N?v?l(F)ire.n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. Zhu Biao blinked, momentarily speechless. ¡°¡­¡± Chapter 34 - What did you just say? Chapter 34: What did you just say? Great Qin Inside the Emperor¡¯s Palace, the hall was supported by square pillars of blue brick, seamlessly connected and adorned with a faint, soothing scent from the incense burners in the corners. Apart from the sparse tables and chairs, the hall¡¯s simplicity was striking. Ying Zheng placed the memorial on the table, his calm demeanor giving way to a hint of surprise. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is¡­¡± ¡°This person¡¯s strategy is truly imaginative and intriguing.¡± He shook his head, acknowledging that even a situation as complex as this one had eluded him, revealing a resolution he hadn¡¯t anticipated. ¡­ Three Days Later Qing Dynasty Inside the Golden Throne Temple, the air was heavy with tension. ¡°Your Majesty, what should we do now?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng asked cautiously, his voice laced with helplessness. The commoners, cheated of their money, were now camped outside the palace daily. The irony was not lost on him¡ªthese were not the emperor¡¯s personal victims, so confronting the emperor was futile. Yet, with Yang Yi having fled, the angry mob had no other recourse but to demand action from the emperor. If it were just a few individuals, it would be manageable, but with tens of thousands involved, the situation was dire. Qianlong¡¯s face was haggard, his eyes sunken and bloodshot, and even his temples showing streaks of gray. He hadn¡¯t had a single restful night in days, tormented by Yang Yi¡¯s audacious scheme. Day and night, he struggled with how to placate the enraged commoners, but no solution seemed forthcoming. The thought of the hundreds of thousands of taels he had lost only added to his distress. Qianlong coughed heavily, his lips pale with frustration. His gaze was sharp as he glared at the ministers around him. ¡°Must I solve every problem myself? What good are you?¡± The ministers of the Qing Dynasty looked on, their faces reflecting their own frustration and helplessness. The situation was beyond anyone¡¯s control. Just then, an elderly man with a stocky build and gray hair rushed in, his face serious and his brow furrowed with urgency. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ urgent news!¡± Qianlong¡¯s expression shifted to one of acute seriousness. The man before him was the Regent Minister left by his father, the current Prime Minister of State Affairs, and also held the posts of Chief of the Military, Minister of the Guard, and Chief of the Cabinet. In a deep voice, Qianlong asked, ¡°Tai, what is it?¡± Tai¡¯s brow remained furrowed as he delivered the news. ¡°Your Majesty, the Empress of the Zhou Dynasty has accused you of insulting her nation by proposing a marriage alliance. She declared, ¡®How can a monarch be married off?¡¯¡± ¡°She has now declared war on our Qing Dynasty. She demands an apology from Your Majesty. If you comply, all will be forgiven. Otherwise, the two nations will engage in a fight to the death!¡± Silence fell over the hall. Gasps of shock and disbelief spread among those present. No one had anticipated that the Zhou Dynasty would declare war while the issues in the capital remained unresolved! ¡°These Zhou people are too shameless!¡± Qianlong¡¯s face went from pale to a furious red. His cheeks were bulging, his cheekbones tense, and his eyes bloodshot, making him look fearsome. He gripped the edge of the dragon throne tightly, his gaze as cold and piercing as the north wind. ¡°Wretched woman¡­¡± Yang Yi had just fled with their money, and now the Zhou Dynasty had declared war. It was clear they were using Qing money to fight against them. Qianlong was on the brink of an explosion. Fu Cha Fu Heng and the others shared his anger. The Zhou people had indeed chosen their moment well. Tai, the Prime Minister, spoke up cautiously, ¡°Your Majesty, how should we respond?¡± The Emperor¡¯s frustration reached a boiling point. Qianlong slammed the dragon throne with a resounding bang, startling everyone present. The Qing Emperor almost leaped up in his fury, his roar echoing through the hall. ¡°Fight!¡± he bellowed. ¡°I will turn these despicable people into cripples. I will kill them.¡± A chilling silence fell over the room, reflecting the gravity of Qianlong¡¯s rage. It was clear to everyone that he had reached the peak of his fury. Anyone would be unable to stay calm after being so manipulated and provoked. ¡­ Great Zhou Imperial Palace, Shu Yu Palace Yang Yi regarded Princess Wu Mingyue with a bemused expression as she circled around him like a cat eyeing a mouse. Since inviting him over, the Third Princess seemed to see him as a newfound treasure. S?a??h th? ??v?l_Fir?.?et website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. After a moment, Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°I wonder why the Third Princess has called me here?¡± Wu Mingyue snapped her fingers, placing her hands on her hips, and fixed him with her bright, inquisitive eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so skilled at making money!¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why does the princess say that?¡± ¡°Humph, don¡¯t pretend,¡± Wu Mingyue said, her look clearly indicating she wasn¡¯t fooled. ¡°The news of how you brought back tens of millions for my sister has spread like wildfire!¡± Yang Yi remained silent, acknowledging her point with a subtle nod. Wu Mingyue leaned in closer, her radiant face almost touching his. ¡°Hey, since you¡¯re so adept at making money, why don¡¯t you teach me? Or better yet, why don¡¯t we work together? I¡¯ll protect you, and you help me make money!¡± As she drew near, the pleasant scent she exuded made Yang Yi feel at ease. He couldn¡¯t help but lower his gaze to catch a glimpse of the rich, pale skin on Wu Mingyue¡¯s chest. Yang Yi blinked. ¡°Is the Third Princess in need of funds?¡± Wu Mingyue huffed lightly. ¡°Of course, I need money. Who ever thinks they have enough?¡± Yang Yi continued to admire her with a calm expression. ¡°Why not just ask Her Majesty? Why bother with making money yourself?¡± Wu Mingyue pouted, placing her hands on her hips and leaning forward slightly. ¡°My sister is already overwhelmed with state affairs. I can¡¯t burden her with this. I¡¯ll make the effort, and you use your brains. Together, we can achieve great things!¡± ¡°Hey, just tell me if you¡¯re in or out?¡± She tilted her head, her delicate form swaying gently, revealing a charming, youthful visage. Yang Yi found himself momentarily dazed by her beauty, particularly the alluring contrast of her white skin. Yang Yi felt a bit dizzy from her swaying. . He cleared his throat, slightly flustered. ¡°What was that? I didn¡¯t catch it. Could you repeat it?¡± Chapter 35 - A Sudden Entrance: Wan’er’s Unforeseen Discovery Chapter 35: A Sudden Entrance: Wan¡¯er¡¯s Unforeseen DiscoveryQianyuan Temple ¡°Oh? Qianlong is quite determined, but I wonder how he¡¯s managing the chaos¡­¡± Wu Zhao mused, holding a memento thoughtfully. ¡°Wan¡¯er, where is Yang Yi now?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er quickly replied, ¡°I heard he was summoned by the Third Princess.¡± Wu Zhao blinked her phoenix eyes in contemplation. ¡°At my third sister¡¯s place?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Go and bring him here.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er responded respectfully, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ Shu Yu Palace Wu Mingyue stood with her hands on her hips, confusion clear in her dark eyes as she tried to grasp what Yang Yi meant by ¡®white¡¯ in his speech. She pouted and repeated herself. ¡°I said I¡¯ll support you. You come up with the ideas, and we¡¯ll make money together. How about it?¡± Yang Yi inhaled Wu Mingyue¡¯s scent, raised an eyebrow, and a smile that made Wu Mingyue¡¯s heart flutter appeared on his chiseled face. His gaze was intense, almost as if it could burn into her soul. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the Third Princess have countless people offering business opportunities?¡± Wu Mingyue pursed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t want their money.¡± Yang Yi blinked, then his expression cleared as he understood. ¡°I see. Well, if the Third Princess wants to start a profitable business, it¡¯s actually quite simple.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest. His words clearly resonated with her. She bit her lip, leaning in a little impatiently. ¡°What kind of business?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°This business can only be handled by a member of the royal family. It¡¯s of great importance.¡± ¡°Please, Third Princess, come closer¡­¡± Without hesitation, Wu Mingyue stood on her tiptoes and leaned in. The beauty was now within reach, and Yang Yi could see the fine hairs on her neck. He blinked, his gaze lingering for a moment. He whispered into Wu Mingyue¡¯s delicate ear, ¡°This business, I call it a newspaper.¡± ¡°Newspaper?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s curiosity was piqued despite the tickling sensation of Yang Yi¡¯s breath. ¡°Yes, a newspaper¡­ Hmm, a light green dudou,¡± Yang Yi¡¯s words trailed off abruptly. Wu Mingyue was bewildered. ¡°What did you say?¡± Yang Yi cleared his throat, regaining his composure. s?a??h th? N?v?lFir?(.)n?t website on G??gl? to access chapters of n?vels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Nothing, nothing. What I meant was that the initial profits from this newspaper won¡¯t be high, but it will require considerable effort.¡± Wu Mingyue nodded, her expression serious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I can endure hardship the best.¡± Yang Yi sighed inwardly, thinking, He kept his composure and said, ¡°Besides, the greatest use of a newspaper is to control public opinion. If used properly, the impact of a media campaign can be as significant as a war. Therefore, this newspaper is extremely important, and only the Third Princess can be trusted to run it. Anyone else would be unreliable¡­¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s expression turned serious at his words. ¡°Father died early, and my elder sister got married. The entire Great Zhou Clan relies on my elder sister. I must help her. I don¡¯t want to be a useless vase!¡± Yang Yi was momentarily speechless. he thought. So young, yet she already grasped such profound truths. He smiled warmly and reassured her, ¡°Rest assured, Princess. With the newspaper, you will not only avoid being a vase; you may even become the Empress of Public Opinion in Great Zhou.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes sparkled, curving into delighted crescents. She was visibly pleased with Yang Yi¡¯s words. While she had no desire for the throne, the title of ¡°Empress of Public Opinion¡± clearly appealed to her. Excited, she suddenly turned around, her bright eyes gleaming. ¡°So tell me, what exactly is this newspaper, and how do we¡­ Uh, what are you looking at?¡± Wu Mingyue noticed Yang Yi¡¯s gaze lingering on her chest and was momentarily baffled. Yang Yi hadn¡¯t expected her sudden movement and didn¡¯t have time to look away. Meeting her gaze, he felt a rare moment of discomfort. Following his line of sight, Wu Mingyue¡¯s delicate face flushed a deep red. Her rosy lips parted slightly, and she could feel the heat spreading across her cheeks. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Only then did she realize how close she had come to Yang Yi, feeling the warmth of his breath and the unmistakable presence of his male aura. Her heart fluttered with a mix of embarrassment and panic. Wu Mingyue suddenly let out a sharp scream and pushed Yang Yi away. However, in her flustered state, she applied too much force, causing her to stumble backward. The sharp, unforgiving tiles of the palace floor loomed dangerously close. Yang Yi reacted instinctively, grabbing Wu Mingyue and pulling her into his arms just in time. They collided and toppled over, landing with a soft thud. Wu Mingyue found herself sprawled on Yang Yi¡¯s chest, her breath coming in quick, ragged bursts. Yang Yi, now flat on his back, breathed a sigh of relief. He shuddered to think of the consequences if she¡¯d hit her head. For a moment, the room was silent, heavy with awkwardness. Wu Mingyue, still lying on Yang Yi¡¯s chest, felt his steady breath against her skin. Her face burned with a deep blush as she quickly pushed herself up, hands pressing against his chest, glaring at him with mortified anger. ¡°You¡­ you¡­ scoundrel!¡± she stammered, her voice laced with embarrassment. Yang Yi smiled wryly, knowing there was no easy way to explain this situation. Just as he was about to speak, a surprised voice broke the silence. ¡°Minister Yang, Third Princess, what are you¡­?¡± Yang Yi: ¡°???¡± Wu Mingyue: ¡°???¡± Chapter 36 - Empress: What were you doing with the princess? Chapter 36: Empress: What were you doing with the princess?They turned their heads, startled by the sudden voice at the entrance. Shangguan Wan¡¯er and Wu Mingyue¡¯s personal maid, Huamei, stood there, both looking completely stunned. They never expected things to progress so quickly between Yang Yi and the Third Princess Yang Yi¡¯s eyelid twitched. Wu Mingyue¡¯s reaction was even more intense. She practically jumped up, waving her arms frantically. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ He¡­ That¡­¡± Her face flushed a deep red, and she struggled to find the words. ¡°Nothing happened between us!¡± Her voice rang out, sounding more like a desperate attempt to deny the undeniable. Shangguan Wan¡¯er and Huamei were still frozen in shock, their eyes wide. They never imagined they would walk in on such a scene. They quickly nodded, trying to reassure the princess. ¡°Princess, we didn¡¯t see anything.¡± Wu Mingyue stared at them, mortified. What do you mean you didn¡¯t see anything? I¡¯m innocent! Her ears were burning, and the way they were looking at her only made it worse. Biting her lip in frustration, she stomped her foot and, unable to bear it any longer, grabbed her skirt and bolted out of the hall. She couldn¡¯t even stand to be in her own palace anymore. ¡°Your Highness!¡± Huamei called after her, rushing to catch up. The hall fell silent, leaving only Shangguan Wan¡¯er and Yang Yi. The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness. Shangguan Wan¡¯er blinked, her gaze fixated on Yang Yi, a mix of curiosity and disbelief in her eyes. Yang Yi stood there, feeling the weight of her stare. He cleared his throat, trying to break the tension. ¡°Lady Shangguan, what brings you here?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er seemed to snap out of her daze and smiled slightly, though her expression still carried a hint of amusement. ¡°Her Majesty requests your presence at Qianyuan Hall.¡± Yang Yi felt a chill run down his spine. Great, just great. I just got caught in an awkward situation with her sister, and now I¡¯m being summoned by the Empress herself. This is like walking into a lion¡¯s den. He hesitated briefly, knowing that refusal was not an option. ¡°Please lead the way, Lady Shangguan¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er, now composed, nodded and gestured for him to follow. ¡°This way, Lord Yang.¡± ¡­ A few minutes later, in Qianyuan Hall. Wu Zhao sat on her throne, a cold and contemplative look on her face. ¡°Qianlong accepted the challenge and even boasted that he would turn us into human sticks,¡± she said, her tone measured as she pushed a memorial toward Yang Yi. Yang Yi picked up the document, glancing at it without lifting his eyes. His mind quickly analyzed the situation. . He smiled faintly and replied, ¡°He¡¯s overconfident. In this battle, I believe our Great Zhou will undoubtedly emerge victorious.¡± Wu Zhao raised her phoenix-like eyes, observing him intently. ¡°Are you that confident?¡± Yang Yi nodded, speaking earnestly. ¡°Of course. Although the Qing Dynasty is formidable, our Great Zhou is not weak. This battle is about the dignity of our nation. Our soldiers will unite with high morale, driven by a shared purpose. How could we possibly lose?¡± He paused, considering his next point carefully. ¡°That¡¯s the first reason.¡± ¡°The second reason,¡± he continued, Sea??h the novelF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Is that while the Qing Dynasty has been recuperating for years and is well-equipped, their soldiers lack battlefield experience. In contrast, our Great Zhou has continuously clashed with the Turks, and our troops are seasoned veterans. They are ready for war, and if the Qing faces us, they won¡¯t stand a chance.¡± Wu Zhao listened closely, her expression softening slightly as Yang Yi¡¯s analysis matched her own thoughts. . She nodded thoughtfully, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of her chair. ¡°Do you have any thoughts on who should lead this campaign?¡± she asked, her voice calm but with a hint of curiosity. Yang Yi was caught off guard by the question; it was a clear sign of how much the Empress valued his opinion. He instinctively glanced at Wu Zhao and found himself meeting her gaze, a fleeting moment of connection before she looked away, maintaining her composed facade. He cleared his throat, steadying his thoughts. ¡°Your Majesty, you are wise and decisive; I¡¯m sure your choice will be perfect. However, if I may, I¡¯d like to recommend someone who could be of great assistance to your campaign.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°Who?¡± Yang Yi responded earnestly, ¡°I have a guard named Li Cunxiao. He¡¯s exceptionally strong and skilled in battle. I believe he would be a valuable asset to the Great Zhou army.¡± He considered recommending Dian Wei but quickly dismissed the idea. Wu Zhao pondered for a moment, then nodded decisively. ¡°Have him report to the army tomorrow. I¡¯ll ensure his deployment.¡± Yang Yi was touched by her trust. . Unaware of his musings, Wu Zhao leaned back slightly, her expression still composed but with a hint of curiosity. ¡°I heard you were with the Third Princess just now. Why did she call you?¡± Chapter 37 - The Other Side of the Empress Chapter 37: The Other Side of the EmpressYang Yi¡¯s heart tightened with a pang of guilt, but he quickly reassured himself. Composing himself, he replied, ¡°Actually, the Third Princess wanted to help ease Your Majesty¡¯s burden¡­¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The Empress¡¯s elegant phoenix-shaped brows furrowed slightly, and her clear, dark eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. Yang Yi went on to explain Wu Mingyue¡¯s idea of earning money to lessen the Empress¡¯s load, though he carefully left out certain details. As he finished, Wu Zhao¡¯s cold and noble expression shifted, surprise flickering across her face before she shook her head with a trace of helplessness. ¡°This girl¡­ she¡¯s still such a child. She can fool around all she wants, but why must she drag you into her antics?¡± Despite her reprimand, there was a faint trace of affection in her tone, softening her otherwise stoic expression. Yang Yi thought to himself, Instinctively, his gaze shifted to the Empress¡¯s ample breasts, noting how her luxurious dragon robe, embroidered with Su brocade and gold thread, hugged her curves. The five-clawed golden dragon seemed almost three-dimensional, with the dragon¡¯s head appearing strikingly lifelike. s, he thought. Keeping his composure, Yang Yi said, ¡°Your Majesty, the Third Princess¡¯s ideas may seem naive, but her care for you is genuine. Having such a caring and filial sister is truly enviable.¡± Wu Zhao let out a light snort. Sea??h the N??elFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That girl has been mischievous since childhood, and she¡¯s not particularly bright. Who knows how many things she¡¯s messed up? If she wants to ease my burden, I¡¯d be grateful if she just stayed out of trouble. I¡¯ll have to scold her later.¡± Her voice was stern, but the underlying fondness was unmistakable. ¡°And you, as a high-ranking official, have no time to be playing along with her whims.¡± Yang Yi was taken aback. Though Wu Zhao¡¯s words were laced with affection, her imposing demeanor was daunting. No wonder the Third Princess rarely comes to Qianyuan Hall. Shaking his head slightly, he spoke earnestly, ¡°Your Majesty, the Third Princess¡¯s pure heart is a rare and precious thing. I once read a saying in a book¡­ ¡®With those close to you, do not speak in anger, do not speak in contradiction, and do not remain silent¡­¡¯¡± Wu Zhao was startled and fell into contemplative silence. Yang Yi¡¯s words were simple on the surface, but their underlying message struck a chord. After a brief pause, the Empress put on a mock-stern expression. ¡°So even you dare to lecture me now?¡± Yang Yi was momentarily at a loss for words, but he knew her well enough to recognize the jest. Smiling, he quickly responded, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare¡­¡± Wu Zhao snorted softly, her tone lightening. ¡°Fine, fine. Since you don¡¯t seem to mind, I won¡¯t make an issue of it either. You may leave.¡± Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile inwardly. The Empress might be aloof, but she was clearly touched by his words. She just couldn¡¯t bring herself to admit it. When she says she doesn¡¯t care, it¡¯s her way of agreeing. Yang Yi hadn¡¯t expected the usually high and mighty Empress to have such a side. Feeling touched, he respectfully took his leave. After Yang Yi exited the hall, Shangguan Wan¡¯er slowly stepped inside. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Wu Zhao glanced up. ¡°What is it?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er hesitated, unsure whether to share what she had just witnessed. However, since it involved the Third Princess and Yang Yi and wasn¡¯t anything truly scandalous, she decided it was best to inform the Empress, especially as the Third Princess¡¯s elder sister. After a brief moment of consideration, she recounted the scene she had witnessed at Shu Yu Palace. Wu Zhao listened, momentarily stunned. Her expression shifted to something more complex, a hint of irony crossing her face as she shook her head. ¡°No wonder that guy was pushing for Wu Mingyue just now. So they¡¯ve grown close¡­ It seems Wu Mingyue¡¯s happiness is nearer than I thought.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er was taken aback. She hadn¡¯t expected the Empress to be so open-minded. She had thought the Empress might harbor feelings for Yang Yi, but it seemed she had been mistaken. Wu Zhao¡¯s glassy eyes half-closed, her tone calm. ¡°I had initially thought about helping them, but it looks like they¡¯ve developed feelings for each other on their own. In that case, let¡¯s allow things to unfold naturally. When they finally confess to each other, I¡¯ll support them. Wan¡¯er, what do you think?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er instinctively wanted to praise the Empress¡¯s wisdom, but she couldn¡¯t ignore the sudden tightness in her chest. Instead, she said quietly, ¡°Wan¡¯er believes that Lord Yang would be more suitable for Your Majesty¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze remained steady as she met Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes. ¡°There¡¯s no need to say such things in the future. If he and San Niang can be together, it¡¯s perfect for me. Wu Mingyue will have someone she can rely on, and a capable man like him will remain loyal to my cause. It¡¯s a win-win situation.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er pressed her lips together, remaining silent. Though the Empress¡¯s words were logical, without a hint of emotion, Wan¡¯er, who had been by Wu Zhao¡¯s side since childhood, sensed an undercurrent of something amiss. Wu Zhao suddenly felt a surge of irritation and waved her hand dismissively. ¡°You may leave.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er said, bowing respectfully before retreating. Left alone, Wu Zhao pondered for a moment before picking up the unfinished memorials on her desk. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden glow on her cold and beautiful face. The light accentuated her delicate, pale skin, giving it a soft, jade-like luster. Time passed, but Wu Zhao found herself unable to concentrate. Her normally sharp focus was clouded, and the words on the memorial seemed to blur. She tossed the document aside in frustration, furrowing her brow. She tried to dismiss her restlessness, telling herself it was just the terrible handwriting that made the reading unbearable. But deep down, she knew that wasn¡¯t the real reason. Chapter 38 - Yang Yis Promises to Wu Mingyue! A Great Vision for the Future! Chapter 38: Yang Yi¡¯s Promises to Wu Mingyue! A Great Vision for the Future!For three days straight, Yang Yi hadn¡¯t seen Wu Mingyue, and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was avoiding him out of embarrassment. He shrugged it off; they were adults now, and such awkward moments would eventually pass. Besides, she probably had no idea he¡¯d caught a glimpse of those two cherry-red spots. Another day passed. Just as Yang Yi was about to leave for home, a palace maid approached him with a respectful bow. ¡°Lord Yang, the Third Princess requests your presence¡­¡± Yang Yi recognized the maid¡ªWu Mingyue¡¯s attendant. His expression turned bemused. This girl really changes her mind quickly. He hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. After all, as a man who had lived two lifetimes, he wasn¡¯t about to shy away from facing a young girl. At Shu Yu Palace, Yang Yi stood before a beaded curtain, his expression tinged with annoyance. ¡°Princess, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Wu Mingyue sat behind the curtain on a grand chair, dressed in a light purple palace gown with a high collar that reached her neck. She rolled her eyes, her expression suspicious and pouty. ¡°Hmph, who told you to look at me, you scoundrel¡­¡± Yang Yi raised his eyebrows. ¡°Princess, you are mistaken. I have never looked at you. Please don¡¯t slander me.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s amber eyes widened. ¡°How am I slandering you?¡± Yang Yi blinked innocently. ¡°I wasn¡¯t peeking; I was looking openly and honestly.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep red, spreading to the tips of her ears. She was no match for Yang Yi¡¯s wit and felt flustered just a few sentences in. ¡°I don¡¯t care. You still looked at me!¡± Yang Yi looked amused. ¡°Your Highness, you leaned over yourself. I couldn¡¯t avoid seeing even if I wanted to. Are you going to gouge out my eyes?¡± Wu Mingyue stared at him, her head buzzing with frustration. ¡°Scoundrel! You¡¯re nothing but a scoundrel!¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips twitched. These mild insults were harmless to someone like him, who had lived through an information explosion era. He shook his head with a faint smile. ¡°Did Your Highness summon me today just to call me names?¡± Wu Mingyue paused, recalling the actual reason she had called him here. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the other day you wanted to start a newspaper business with me? You didn¡¯t explain it fully. What exactly is this newspaper, and how do we start it? Explain clearly!¡± Sea?ch* The Novel?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi chuckled inwardly. Feigning confusion, he tilted his head. ¡°Your Highness, this curtain is too thick; I can¡¯t hear what you¡¯re saying clearly¡­¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. She felt wronged but knew she couldn¡¯t run to her sister and complain that Yang Yi had seen her breast. Holding back her anger, she ordered, ¡°Someone, remove the curtain.¡± Moments later, Yang Yi found himself seated across from Wu Mingyue, who was now glaring at him. Today, her gown was far more conservative, with a high neckline that reached her throat. However, her chest still formed a strong curve, and Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but notice how her slender waist seemed at odds with the weight she carried above. ¡°Hurry up and tell me how to start this business,¡± Wu Mingyue snapped, her brows furrowing in annoyance. Yang Yi rubbed his temples with a sly grin. ¡°Your Highness, you must understand that thinking deeply requires a calm mind. When someone¡¯s fierce and intimidating, it drains mental energy and disrupts my thought process¡­¡± Wu Mingyue clenched her fists. Forcing a smile, she softened her tone, her voice adopting a sweet lilt. ¡°How¡¯s this?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression brightened dramatically. ¡°Ah, hearing such a melodious voice is like listening to heavenly music; my thoughts flow freely, and inspiration comes rushing in. The ancients were not wrong.¡± Unaware of the princess¡¯s inner thoughts, Yang Yi continued. ¡°Your Highness, a newspaper is essentially a medium that records timely information¡ªinteresting events or significant news happening in the world. I call this timely information ¡®news,¡¯ and the medium that records it is the ¡®newspaper.¡¯¡± Yang Yi¡¯s explanation was clear, and Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest, though a hint of confusion remained. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying the newspaper will compile different news from various places, and people can access this information just by buying it?¡± Yang Yi smiled, pleasantly surprised by her quick grasp of the concept. ¡°Your Highness is truly intelligent.¡± ¡°Exactly. These newspapers will gather news from across the realm, then be printed and sold to the public. Due to the delays in how information currently spreads, a newspaper that summarizes recent major events would be highly appealing. People would gladly spend money to keep themselves informed.¡± ¡°One person buys one copy, and with millions of citizens in Great Zhou, even if only ten percent buy it, the newspaper will be more than sustainable.¡± ¡°At that point, Your Highness, the newspaper you publish could potentially reach millions, and it might even find its way to other countries.¡± He continued, his voice filled with enthusiasm. ¡°Besides news, you can also include poetry, essays, or political commentaries. Every word you write, every opinion you express, could be read by hundreds of thousands, even millions of people.¡± Wu Mingyue was stunned, her mind reeling at the possibilities. Even as a royal princess, she had never imagined the excitement of millions of people reading the news she personally wrote¡ªa direct line to the masses, a way to converse with countless people through a single sheet of paper. The prospect was both thrilling and intimidating. Chapter 39 - Empress: If you have feelings for Wu Mingyue, I can grant you a marriage! Chapter 39: Empress: If you have feelings for Wu Mingyue, I can grant you a marriage!After a moment, she collected herself, taking a deep breath. ¡°So, what do you mean by using newspapers to control public opinion?¡± Yang Yi smiled knowingly. ¡°A newspaper that reaches hundreds of thousands, even millions¡ªif it publishes news about a prominent figure, wouldn¡¯t it attract massive attention? And if we were to spread certain rumours, even if they are marked as uncertain, it would still stir tens or hundreds of thousands of readers, influencing public sentiment. If that sentiment turns negative toward someone important, their reputation could suffer greatly.¡± Wu Mingyue was taken aback, realizing the full weight of his words. The power of the newspaper wasn¡¯t just in delivering news; it was in shaping the narrative. Target someone, and you could sway public opinion, tarnishing their reputation under the scrutiny of countless eyes. She felt a chill run down her spine. Yang Yi was right; this was not a tool to be taken lightly. The phrase ¡°Stopping the people¡¯s mouth is harder than stopping a river¡± suddenly made perfect sense. A newspaper could indeed wield immense power over public opinion. Wu Mingyue looked at Yang Yi with a newfound respect. He may be a scoundrel, but his mind was sharp. The potential of this scheme was staggering. Once the newspaper gained traction, it could easily be used to destroy someone¡¯s reputation. The thought lingered¡ª She bit her lip, suppressing the shiver of excitement and fear. ¡°So, how do we begin?¡± Yang Yi met her gaze, holding up three fingers. ¡°First, establish a newspaper office. Then, hire reporters and editors. Finally, focus on publishing and printing.¡± He paused, letting the weight of each step settle in. ¡°Setting up the newspaper office can be both challenging and simple. The key is making it engaging from the start. Include entertainment sections¡ªserialized stories, puzzles, or even humorous anecdotes.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s modern knowledge and keen insight guided his advice, and Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes sparkled with newfound ambition. She wished she had something to jot down every brilliant idea that spilled from his lips. ¡­ S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ten days later, in Qianyuan Hall, Yang Yi found himself standing before Wu Zhao, the Empress. Dressed in a red robe embroidered with light gold dragon patterns, her long black hair cascaded down like a silken waterfall. Her pale skin glowed under the soft light, and her cold, beautiful face remained impassive. Her phoenix-like eyes, sharp and serene, held a calmness that gave away nothing. ¡°How have you been getting along with Wu Mingyue these days?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s voice was casual, yet it carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. Yang Yi hadn¡¯t expected the Empress to ask about this and was momentarily taken aback. He lifted his head slightly, meeting her gaze with calm composure. ¡°The Third Princess is charming and lively, straightforward in her demeanor. I¡¯ve found our interactions quite enjoyable.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyelids lowered slightly, masking a flicker of unease that she couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°Is that so?¡± she said, her voice unreadable. The Empress¡¯s heart felt a peculiar tightness, though she couldn¡¯t discern why. She quickly suppressed the feeling, her expression turning colder as she addressed him again. ¡°Yang Yi, perhaps you should reconsider my previous proposal. If you have any affection for Wu Mingyue, I could bestow upon you a marriage.¡± Yang Yi felt a bead of sweat form on his brow. He hadn¡¯t anticipated the Empress revisiting this topic. He raised his hands in a helpless gesture. ¡°Your Majesty, you misunderstand. While I do enjoy my interactions with the Third Princess, they are purely professional, nothing more.¡± Unexpectedly, Wu Zhao felt a sense of relief, though she didn¡¯t quite understand why. A rare, faint smile tugged at her lips. ¡°Professional matters? What kind of matters?¡± She inquired, her tone curious yet laced with a touch of suspicion. Yang Yi noted the subtle change in the Empress¡¯s demeanor but paid it little mind. He began explaining the newspaper project in detail. As he spoke, Wu Zhao¡¯s initial smile slowly faded, her expression growing serious. ¡°Controlling public opinion?¡± she murmured, her gaze distant as she absorbed his words. Since ancient times, stopping the people¡¯s mouths had been harder than stopping a flood. Traditionally, the royal family guided public opinion through books and official records, like Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, who used the ¡°Clan Records¡± to diminish the influence of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans. Yet Yang Yi¡¯s idea was something entirely different¡ªnewspapers, faster and more potent than any printed book. A newspaper that catered to both the refined and the common could influence not just the city but the entire empire and beyond. The potential was staggering. With this tool, shaping public opinion would be as simple as manipulating ink on paper. A single article could elevate someone¡¯s reputation or, just as easily, destroy it. Wu Zhao¡¯s mind whirled as she contemplated the possibilities. This was more than just a means of communication; it was a weapon that could alter the very fabric of power. She studied Yang Yi with renewed interest, fully grasping the profound impact of his vision on the empire. Wu Zhao gave Yang Yi a deep, contemplative look. She had initially thought they were merely toying with ideas, but she hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi to devise such a formidable strategy. This newspaper, if wielded correctly, would become a hidden sword for the empire. When this sword struck, it would not only shake the nobles of the Great Zhou but could even reach the emperor himself. Such power was ruthless and unprecedented. It was clear now why he had placed Wu Mingyue in charge of the newspaper; she couldn¡¯t afford to entrust this weapon to anyone else. A surge of admiration welled up in Wu Zhao¡¯s heart. This minister had considered every angle before presenting his plan, covering every potential pitfall. It was nearly flawless. Thankfully, this brilliant strategist served the Great Zhou. Her rosy lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°No wonder I haven¡¯t seen that girl lately. So, she¡¯s been busy with this newspaper,¡± Wu Zhao mused. ¡°That¡¯s good. It keeps her from lazing around the palace all day.¡± Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly. ¡­ In Luoyang, on a bustling street near the imperial city, a newly renovated shop stood out among the rest. The signboard was still covered with red cloth, signaling that it had yet to open its doors officially. Inside, the shop was filled with activity, but the real storm was brewing in the heart of its temporary overseer. Wu Mingyue stood there, her eyes bloodshot, glaring fiercely as she gritted her teeth in frustration. Her mind was full of the infuriating image of Yang Yi¡¯s perpetually smiling, annoyingly handsome face. The thought made her chest tighten with anger, her ample bosom rising and falling with each heavy breath. He had promised to help her set up the newspaper, even accepting the title of deputy director, yet where was he now? Nowhere to be found. He¡¯d left her to deal with the mess on her own, vanishing just as things were getting intense Chapter 40 - Not a drop left! Wu Mingyues Complaint! Chapter 40: Not a drop left! Wu Mingyue¡¯s Complaint!Three days later, the made its debut, instantly sparking a buying frenzy among the people of Luoyang. The allure of this new publication, a novel concept called a ¡°newspaper,¡± quickly spread to other cities, turning it into the most sought-after reading material across the region. In Shu Yu Palace, Yang Yi strolled in leisurely, greeted by Wu Mingyue¡¯s displeased expression. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Princess, why did you call me in such a hurry?¡± he asked casually. Wu Mingyue pouted, letting out a soft snort. ¡°Did you forget to give me the manuscript for the next issue?¡± She crossed her arms, visibly annoyed. ¡°Both and have been a huge hit. Many people are buying the newspaper specifically for them.¡± Yang Yi rubbed his temples, feeling an impending headache. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there are still a few days left, right?¡± he said dismissively. Given the transportation constraints of the time, Yang Yi and Wu Mingyue had decided to publish the newspaper on a weekly basis, maximizing the time available to ensure quality. In this era, a newspaper published every seven days was already considered cutting-edge. If ordinary citizens wanted news through other channels, the delays could stretch to over half a month. Some government decrees even took six months to reach citizens in remote areas of the Great Zhou, making the newspaper the most popular reading material available. Despite the weekly schedule, Yang Yi didn¡¯t see the time gap as a problem. But his nonchalant attitude only fueled Wu Mingyue¡¯s frustration. She glared at him, her cheeks puffing up in anger. ¡°Printing alone will take several days. No, you have to give me the manuscript today!¡± she demanded. Yang Yi yawned and stretched lazily. ¡°Your Highness, my shoulders are a bit sore right now. I don¡¯t think I can write.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, her cheeks flushed with indignation. ¡°Do you want this princess to give you a massage?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a playful smirk. ¡°Your Highness, you wouldn¡¯t want your budding career to come to a halt, would you?¡± Wu Mingyue glared at him, her frustration palpable. Reluctantly, she stepped behind him, her fingers tentatively pressing into his shoulders. Each movement dripped with resentment, her face a picture of irritation. Yang Yi, pretending to be oblivious to her anger, smiled slightly. In truth, he already had the manuscript prepared, having exchanged complete versions of and from the system store. But just because he had it didn¡¯t mean he was going to hand it over without extracting a little amusement. After a while, Wu Mingyue¡¯s hands grew sore, and she pulled back, rubbing her wrists. ¡°Is this good enough¡­?¡± Yang Yi nodded, satisfied. ¡°Alright.¡± He reached into his robe and pulled out a stack of neatly bound manuscripts. ¡°Here, take it.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, her finger trembling as she pointed at the papers. ¡°You¡­ you had this ready all along?¡± Yang Yi nodded calmly. ¡°Of course. To ensure everything¡¯s ready for the next issue and to allow for printing time, the content naturally has to be prepared in advance.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s mind spun. ¡°So you deliberately lied to me just now?¡± Yang Yi maintained a straight face. ¡°I didn¡¯t lie¡­ Your Highness, perhaps there¡¯s a misunderstanding. I never said I didn¡¯t have a draft.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s rosy lips parted, revealing a look of both shock and realization. Now that she thought about it, Yang Yi really hadn¡¯t said anything of the sort. She gritted her teeth, glaring at him with newfound resolve. ¡°Then hand over all the drafts you¡¯ve accumulated!¡± Yang Yi shook his head, feigning innocence. ¡°There¡¯s not a single drop left.¡± Not believing a word, Wu Mingyue¡¯s frustration reached a boiling point. She leaned forward, reaching into his robe, determined to search him for any hidden pages. Yang Yi¡¯s expression shifted to one of bemusement. As she leaned in, her round, delicate figure bent over, revealing her elegant curves and the pale, jade-like skin of her exposed neckline. Wu Mingyue, too focused on her search, paid no attention to her compromising position. She was too vexed from Yang Yi¡¯s teasing to notice or care. Wu Mingyue let out an exasperated sigh as she continued rummaging through Yang Yi¡¯s robe, determined to find more manuscripts. After all, she had grown up without even so much as a massage from her royal sister¡ªthis was already a huge concession on her part. However, after a short while, her eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment. There really wasn¡¯t anything more; it seemed like Yang Yi had only prepared this much. Still, she reassured herself that these manuscripts would at least last for several issues of the newspaper. With a quiet snort, she prepared to get up. Suddenly, Wu Mingyue felt a chill on her chest. She instinctively glanced down and was met with Yang Yi¡¯s serious, focused expression, as if he were deeply engrossed in solving a complex problem. Realizing the situation, Wu Mingyue screamed, leaping back a few steps. Her pale face turned as red as a rose, her cheeks burning hot. Though this wasn¡¯t the first time Yang Yi had seen her in such a vulnerable state, the embarrassment still washed over her in waves, though not as intensely as before. Wu Mingyue glared at him, hands planted firmly on her hips, her expression indignant. ¡°Did you¡­ did you just look at my chest?¡± Yang Yi straightened up, his face taking on an expression of righteous indignation. ¡°Your Highness, you misunderstand. I am a gentleman who never lets his eyes wander.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened, her black and white irises filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. She was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling utterly flustered. Gritting her teeth, she pointed at him accusingly. ¡°Huh, still trying to argue!¡± Yang Yi furrowed his brows, maintaining an air of seriousness. ¡°Your Highness, I was merely appreciating the scenery.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of crimson as she spat, ¡°Scoundrel¡­ pervert! I¡¯ve long noticed you have a habit of staring at my chest!¡± Yang Yi shrugged helplessly, spreading his hands in mock surrender. ¡°I¡¯m not a pervert, just an ordinary man. What man wouldn¡¯t enjoy looking at a woman¡¯s chest?¡± Wu Mingyue felt as if she were standing inside a furnace, her entire body burning with embarrassment. She could barely muster the courage to expose him, and now she was utterly at a loss. This was the farthest she could push herself. Stomping her foot in frustration, she snatched up the manuscripts, shot Yang Yi a fiery glare, and bolted from the room as if fleeing for her life, her cheeks flushed. Yang Yi watched her retreat, rubbing his nose with a faint smile. Chapter 41 - Eight consecutive draws! Chapter 41: Eight consecutive draws! Night had fallen. At the Yang residence, Yang Yi sat in his study room, feeling the quiet stillness around him. It had been a long time since he¡¯d opened the system panel, but tonight seemed as good a time as any. [Host: Yang Yi] [Poison Expert Points: 89,836] He blinked at the number, surprised by how high his points had climbed. He had spent quite a bit on previous raffles, but it looked like his points had steadily accumulated thanks to his clever schemes, especially his recent manipulation of Qing citizens. Yang Yi paused for a moment, considering his options. Then a smile crept across his face. ¡°Take a chance. Turn a bicycle into a motorcycle,¡± he muttered, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Raffles had always been worth it in the past¡ªno reason to stop now. [Ding! 80,000 Poison Expert Points consumed. Starting the raffle.] As the system chimed, the prize pool glowed faintly. A few seconds later, a cascade of reward notifications rang out: [Ding! Congratulations to the host for winning Greenhouse Farming technology.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining multiple chili peppers.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving Cement Production Technology.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Fruit Gift Pack (contains various fruits).] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining multiple cotton plants.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a Physical Improvement.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining multiple pairs of stockings.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining multiple sweet potatoes and corn.] Yang Yi¡¯s eyes brightened. This haul was better than expected. ¡°Not bad,¡± he mused, calculating the value of his prizes. The sweet potatoes and corn alone were worth 50,000 points in the system store. Add in the cotton and chili peppers, and the total value far exceeded the 80,000 points he¡¯d just spent. ! he thought with a grin. Just then, a surge of warmth spread through his body, enveloping him completely. He felt his energy rise as the sensation flowed through his muscles. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the power finally dissipated, Yang Yi stood up, feeling lighter, stronger. It must be the physical enhancement from the raffle, he realized. He lifted his shirt, catching a glimpse of his now-toned abs. His reflection in the mirror showed a man with a leaner, more athletic physique¡ªhe even looked a bit more handsome. The system hadn¡¯t just improved his strength; it had enhanced his overall aura. ¡°This draw was definitely worth it,¡± he said to himself, pleased with the results. ¡­ Half a month later. Great Qin. Reign of Xianyang. ¡°Your Highness, the princess¡­¡± A maid entered the room, carefully carrying a piece of paper. On the soft couch made of golden nanmu, covered with a quilt embroidered in cloud brocade, a young girl in a loose purple dress lay comfortably. Her delicate legs swayed gently as she lazily flipped through a well-worn sheet of paper, her beautiful fingers tracing the dense writing. The girl, Ying Yinman, looked up eagerly as the maid approached. ¡°Is there finally a new issue?¡± Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She quickly sat up, took the newspaper from the maid, and her face lit up as she saw the bold words on the front page: Great Zhou Bao. With a delighted grin, Ying Yinman flopped back onto the couch, curling up as she scanned the paper, completely absorbed. Her legs kicked in the air as she read, her behavior carefree and utterly unbecoming of a princess. But she didn¡¯t care. She was too lost in the stories. The maid silently bowed and left the room, knowing better than to disturb the princess when she had the latest issue of her favorite newspaper. Moments later, a soft sigh escaped Ying Yinman¡¯s lips as she turned the final page. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, then sighed again in reluctance, setting the paper aside. She had already finished reading the latest series. As a loyal reader of the , her favorite serials were and . She always made sure to devour those first before glancing at the other news. Since its inception, the had been carried to various places by traveling merchants. A maid had first discovered it outside the palace and, thinking it interesting, brought it back for the princess. Unexpectedly, Ying Yinman became completely engrossed after just a few glances and couldn¡¯t put it down. From that moment on, she never missed a single issue, reading each one over and over. In an era with few sources of entertainment, the became her main source of mental stimulation. Ying Yinman gently touched the fresh newspaper in her hand, muttering to herself, ¡°This newspaper comes out so slowly¡­¡± She pouted, Her eyes landed on a particular part of the newspaper. ¡°Huh, there¡¯s an address here¡­ Could I send them a letter?¡± ¡­ The was stirring up waves not just in the Zhou Dynasty, but far beyond its borders. Ming Dynasty, Xu Residence ¡°Sis! The newspaper is here!¡± Xu Miaojin ran over, panting with excitement, her sleek hair slightly disheveled. Her fair, delicate face was flushed with energy as she handed over the precious paper. Xu Miaoyun, her elder sister, immediately put down her book. Her dark eyes gleamed with anticipation. ¡°Quick, bring it over¡­ Let¡¯s read it together.¡± With that, the two sisters hurried into the room, locking the door behind them as they poured over the latest edition. Ever since a Ming merchant had stumbled upon the and they managed to get their hands on an issue, the two sisters had gone to great lengths to buy the latest editions. They had made arrangements to receive every copy as soon as possible. The amount of money spent was much more than the price of a single newspaper, but neither sister cared. To them, the was well worth the expense. ¡­ Great Zhou, Qianyuan Hall Wu Zhao stood before the monument in front of her, her expression stern and contemplative. At that moment, Shangguan Wan¡¯er cautiously entered the hall, bowing slightly. ¡°Your Majesty, the ministers are already waiting for you in the hall.¡± Wu Zhao nodded slightly, her sharp gaze flickering with intensity. Then, without hesitation, she stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er replied softly, following her out of the hall. Chapter 42 - Yang Yi: This strategy is against the will of Heaven! Chapter 42: Yang Yi: This strategy is against the will of Heaven! Qianyuan Hall. The Empress entered with a stern expression, her presence immediately commanding attention. Everyone¡¯s hearts tightened as they rose to salute in unison. ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty.¡± Wu Zhao nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the room. She moved towards the dragon throne and sat down gracefully. ¡°Sit down, everyone,¡± she said coldly. The officials nodded and slowly returned to their seats. This was no ordinary meeting¡ªit was a private audience, reserved only for the highest-ranking officials of the court. The tension in the room was palpable. Wu Zhao¡¯s voice echoed through the hall, sharp and emotionless. ¡°The reason I have summoned you all is because something has happened at the front line.¡± sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The officials exchanged glances, startled by this sudden revelation. A month ago, the Great Zhou Army had gone to war with the Qing Dynasty. Given the long-standing hostilities between the two nations, conflict had been inevitable. With the Great Zhou¡¯s treasury full and prepared for the expenses, it seemed the perfect time for war. Yet for the past month, there had been little news from the front. Now, movement at the front line? Yang Yi blinked, his curiosity piqued. He had recommended Li Cunxiao to lead the army, but knew little of the situation since then. Wu Zhao held a memorial in her hands, her phoenix eyes gleaming coldly as she spoke. ¡°Our army has engaged the Qing forces three times, gaining slight advantages each time,¡± she began, her tone measured. ¡°However, the Qing army is cunning, and their commander is no ordinary person. The Qing soldiers have taken a defensive stance, fortifying their cities in an effort to wear down our forces.¡± A murmur rippled through the hall. ¡°Although the Great Zhou is capable of sustaining a long campaign,¡± Wu Zhao continued, her voice growing colder, ¡°it becomes increasingly costly to fight on enemy territory. Each time we engage them, they retreat into their cities at the first sign of defeat. Prolonged engagements have led to the depletion of our forces.¡± The officials listened intently, the weight of her words settling over them. ¡°Most troubling of all,¡± Wu Zhao added, her gaze hardening, ¡°a large number of corpses have accumulated after these battles, and after more than ten days of continuous rain, a plague has begun to spread through our camp. Though our healers have worked quickly, many soldiers have already succumbed to the illness. General Heichi Changzhi has requested the temporary withdrawal of our troops.¡± A wave of shock spread through the room. Wu Zhao¡¯s voice remained steady. ¡°I have called you here to hear your opinions.¡± The hall fell into a tense silence. The officials exchanged uncertain glances, their minds racing. They hadn¡¯t anticipated such dire news from the front lines. The enemy¡¯s defensive tactics, combined with the spread of disease, made the situation far more complicated than they had thought. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s request for a retreat seemed justified under the circumstances. But they all understood why the Empress sought their counsel¡ªWu Zhao was not someone who gave up easily. She was not ready to accept retreat without a fight. Everyone exchanged glances. ¡°If we don¡¯t withdraw, what else can we do?¡± ¡°What ideas could they possibly offer?¡± ¡°If the plague spreads or the war is lost, they¡¯ll be held responsible for gross negligence.¡± The hall grew quiet. Wu Zhao¡¯s temples pulsed faintly with irritation. These officials always played dead when they were most needed. Her gaze hardened, sweeping across the room, and the ministers avoided her eyes, their heads lowered. The Empress¡¯s brows arched, poised to rebuke them. But just as she was about to speak, Yang Yi stepped forward. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he said calmly, ¡°I have a plan that might resolve the current situation.¡± The hall stirred as everyone turned to Yang Yi, their faces filled with surprise and skepticism. they wondered. Li Yifu scowled, clearly displeased. Every time this young minister spoke, it made the rest of them appear incompetent. Unable to hold back, he spoke in a low, firm voice. ¡°Minister Yang, General Heichi Changzhi is one of our finest commanders. His expertise in warfare is unmatched, and if even he is calling for a retreat, the situation must be dire.¡± He continued, his voice growing more pointed. ¡°Minister Yang, I know you are full of strategies, but you¡¯ve never been to the battlefield. It¡¯s unwise to make reckless suggestions. If your plan worsens the situation, can you bear that responsibility?¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°Minister Li, perhaps you should hear my plan before you pass judgment.¡± Li Yifu¡¯s face darkened, rendered speechless for the moment. He shot Yang Yi a cold glare, simmering with frustration. Wu Zhao¡¯s sharp eyes gleamed. she thought, her trust in Yang Yi deepening. She cast an icy glance at Li Yifu, silencing him further. Li Yifu, now stewing in silent envy, watched as the Empress turned her attention back to Yang Yi, her posture straightening, her pale, elegant face showing a trace of curiosity. ¡°Minister Yang,¡± she said with restrained eagerness, ¡°please continue.¡± Yang Yi looked around, meeting the gaze of the officials before speaking, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°My plan is, admittedly, rather ruthless¡­¡± He paused, letting the tension settle. ¡°There is a plague in the camp, and we cannot allow the corpses of the infected to pile up. However, instead of just disposing of them, I suggest we use them.¡± ¡°The enemy is holed up in the city, refusing to engage in direct battle. General Heichi Changzhi should order the infected corpses to be catapulted over the walls, into the city.¡± Gasps filled the room as Yang Yi continued, undeterred by their shock. ¡°That will force the enemy to make a choice: either come out and face us, or stay within their walls and suffer the plague, which will soon infect their entire population.¡± The silence that followed was deafening, the shock palpable. The officials stared at Yang Yi, stunned by the cold, calculated cruelty of his plan. they thought, their hearts racing. Xu Jingzong¡¯s old, wrinkled face trembled. he mused. Li Yifu, normally driven by jealousy, now sat frozen in horror. Chapter 43 - Dont want to use it? No problem, I have another plan! Chapter 43: Don¡¯t want to use it? No problem, I have another plan!In the corner, Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s cold eyes widened with astonishment. She never expected that the seemingly gentle and refined Minister Yang could devise such a vicious plan. This was unlike his previous desperate tactics, which relied on intelligence to trap and outmaneuver the enemy. But Yang Yi¡¯s idea of dumping plague-infected corpses into the enemy city was nothing short of a malicious trick. It was too sinister, too ruthless. Shangguan Wan¡¯er found it hard to reconcile the image of the amiable, handsome Minister Yang with the man capable of such a brutal scheme. The hall fell into an eerie silence, the only sound the ministers¡¯ shallow breathing. Wu Zhao¡¯s cold, noble face betrayed her astonishment. Yang Yi¡¯s plan had surpassed their expectations¡ªnot just ruthless, but exceptionally cruel. Even she felt a shiver run down her spine. Though he was her minister, a faint sense of unease stirred within her at the thought of such a terrifying method. Wu Zhao thought. If they truly followed Yang Yi¡¯s suggestion and catapulted plague-infected bodies into the city, the consequences would be catastrophic¡ªnot just for the enemy soldiers, but for the civilians as well. This plan could potentially wipe out half the population in that city. Wu Zhao remained silent, weighing the implications. ¡°Minister Yang,¡± she finally spoke, her voice slow, ¡°isn¡¯t this plan¡­ a bit too ruthless? If word were to spread, it wouldn¡¯t bode well for the reputation of the Great Zhou.¡± The officials nodded, visibly relieved that the Empress had voiced their concerns. This move was terrifying not only to the enemy but also to their own side. It was ruthless to an extent that even their allies might flinch. Yang Yi, however, remained calm. He smiled and replied, ¡°Your Majesty, ask yourself¡ªwill this plan be effective or not?¡± His voice grew firmer as he continued. ¡°This strategy solves two problems: it deals with the infected corpses and forces the enemy out of their city. If they panic and flee, we can catch them unprepared and secure victory.¡± Wu Zhao paused, considering his words. He had a point. As brutal as the plan was, it could very well break the stalemate and win the war. The officials exchanged glances, their faces somber. Even they couldn¡¯t deny the logic behind Yang Yi¡¯s proposal. Li Yifu, unable to contain his horror, quickly intervened. ¡°Your Majesty, we cannot go through with this plan! The reputation of the Great Zhou will be in tatters if we do.¡± Wu Zhao hesitated, her brows furrowed. She, too, understood the damage this plan could inflict on their empire¡¯s honor. After a long pause, she turned to Yang Yi again. ¡°Minister Yang, do you have any alternative plans?¡± All eyes shifted to Yang Yi, their expressions a mixture of hope and skepticism. Yang Yi smiled confidently, a gleam of calculated brilliance in his eyes. ¡°Your Majesty, I do have other plans.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes brightened with anticipation. As always, the advisor she prized never failed to deliver. Li Yifu, caught off guard, could hardly believe it. he wondered. The rest of the officials, equally stunned, couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. The situations that baffled them¡ªYang Yi had effortlessly proposed multiple solutions. This is so frustrating! They were completely crushed! Wu Zhao¡¯s authoritative voice rang out. ¡°Yang Yi, please speak¡­¡± Yang Yi glanced at the crowd, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Your Majesty, even though the enemy is hiding within their city walls, they still need water to survive. Water is essential every day,¡± he began, his calmness contrasting with the tense atmosphere in the hall. ¡°So, our army need only send scouts to locate the upstream water source near their city. Then, we place the plague-infected bodies into the river. The infected water will flow straight into the city.¡± He paused, his smile deepening. ¡°Within a month, the city will fall without us even lifting a sword.¡± ¡°This plan is far more discreet than catapulting bodies into the city. All we need is to quietly contaminate the river. Even if the plague spreads within the enemy¡¯s city, no one will know it was caused by the Great Zhou.¡± The hall fell into a suffocating silence. Every official stood frozen, their expressions pale. Eyelids twitched, and several took a step back, their instincts recoiling from the idea. they thought, staring at Yang Yi, who maintained his calm demeanor, his smile unshaken. This plan wasn¡¯t just ruthless¡ªit was cold-blooded. Throwing corpses over city walls was one thing, but tainting the city¡¯s entire water supply? It would spread the plague far more rapidly. The entire city, with its population in the hundreds of thousands, depended on water. If the water source was contaminated, the consequences were unimaginable. Goosebumps prickled the skin of those gathered. A chill slithered down their spines as they contemplated the devastation such a plan could unleash. Entire households would consume infected water unknowingly. Within days, the plague would overrun the city like wildfire. If it got serious enough, the entire city could be wiped out. Li Yifu¡¯s face turned green as his eye twitched in horror. He considered himself to be a cunning and devious person. But compared to Yang Yi, he was nothing. This man was casually talking about taking hundreds of thousands of lives as if it were nothing. Shangguan Wan¡¯er bit her lip, her gaze locked on Yang Yi, eyes full of unease. She couldn¡¯t calm the storm of thoughts swirling in her heart. On the dragon throne, Wu Zhao¡¯s face reflected a whirlwind of emotions. The relief that Yang Yi had more strategies to offer was overshadowed by the ruthlessness of this one. A bitter smile tugged at the corners of her lips. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sitting before her was a man whose methods were so cold-blooded that he seemed like a Living Yama. Chapter 44 - Whose hand hatched such an inhuman and vicious plan? Chapter 44: Whose hand hatched such an inhuman and vicious plan?The hall remained silent for a long time. Wu Zhao massaged her temples, a wave of frustration sweeping over her. The tension in the room was palpable, and the sight of the stiff-faced officials left her momentarily speechless. There were strategies to defeat the enemy, but they were cruel¡ªtoo ruthless, even for her. Despite being the Emperor of Great Zhou, she found herself reluctant to approve such extreme measures. After a pause, she finally broke the silence. ¡°I understand,¡± she said slowly, her voice calm but burdened. ¡°I will inform Heichi Changzhi of both strategies. Which one he chooses to implement will be left to his discretion. After all, the effectiveness of a strategy depends on the circumstances.¡± Yang Yi, his expression unreadable, offered a slight bow. ¡°Your Majesty is wise.¡± Ten days later, at the Zhou-Qing border, inside a bustling military camp¡­ ¡°General, this is a secret letter from Her Majesty,¡± a guard announced as he entered Heichi Changzhi¡¯s tent, his tone both urgent and respectful. The general, in the middle of a military meeting, looked up, surprised by the sudden interruption. His face lit up, hopeful. ¡°Bring it here,¡± he commanded, his deep voice resonating with authority. The guard swiftly handed the sealed memorial to Heichi Changzhi, who wasted no time opening it. The soldiers gathered around watched intently, their anticipation thick in the air. The past days had been grueling for the troops. The enemy, aware of their plague-ridden camp, had refused to engage directly, forcing the Zhou army into a costly stalemate. Li Cunxiao stood among the soldiers, his calm and composed demeanor revealing the presence of a capable leader. His excellent battlefield performance had earned him the rank of deputy general, a promotion that did not go unnoticed by his peers. All eyes were fixed on Heichi Changzhi as he read the letter. His dark face revealed a spectrum of emotions, shifting from curiosity to surprise and, finally, to something inscrutable. When he set the letter down, the atmosphere in the tent grew tense. ¡°Her Majesty does not allow any retreat,¡± he announced, his tone grave. A collective murmur of disbelief rippled through the room. Shocked, the soldiers exchanged glances, worry etched into their faces. They had all hoped the Empress would allow them to pull back, given the dire conditions. The thought of continuing without respite was demoralizing. Sensing the growing unease, Heichi Changzhi sighed. ¡°However,¡± he added, ¡°His Majesty has proposed two strategies to defeat the enemy.¡± A bitter silence followed. The soldiers¡¯ faces betrayed their skepticism. Many harbored the same thought: One of Heichi Changzhi¡¯s longtime officers, unable to contain his frustration, finally spoke. ¡°General, with all due respect, what kind of strategies can those civilian officials come up with? They¡¯ve never even touched a sword, let alone experienced the realities of war. How can they advise us from over a thousand miles away? It feels like they¡¯re treating war as if it¡¯s some kind of game.¡± His blunt words echoed the sentiments of many in the tent, and they nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, General, we¡¯re fighting with real swords and spears, yet these scholars are the ones giving us orders!¡± ¡°Hmph, I think Her Majesty has been misled by those people; otherwise, why wouldn¡¯t she let us retreat?¡± ¡°Exactly! A bunch of fools coming up with nonsense strategies!¡± ¡°Our situation is already dire. If we get any more useless plans, we¡¯re finished!¡± The tent filled with the angry voices of hot-tempered generals, their frustrations boiling over. They had been under heavy pressure, and their emotions were quick to ignite. Heichi Changzhi observed them quietly, not chastising anyone, though his expression grew increasingly strange. After a moment, he cleared his throat. ¡°Alright, enough. Stop talking.¡± The soldiers reluctantly fell silent, though their faces remained tense and discontented. Heichi Changzhi turned to Li Cunxiao and spoke calmly. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Listen to the strategies first before you start complaining¡­¡± The first man to speak muttered again, ¡°What kind of brilliant strategy could this be? Probably just more nonsense.¡± His remark drew nods of agreement from the others. Heichi Changzhi shot him a glare. ¡°Jingzhi, be quiet.¡± Guo Jingzhi fell silent, though the defiant look on his face remained, clearly unconvinced that any scholar could devise a worthwhile plan. With a complex expression, Heichi Changzhi held up the secret letter. ¡°The letter contains two strategies, both of which could break the siege and possibly annihilate the enemy.¡± As his words sank in, all eyes turned to him. They didn¡¯t trust the scholars back at court, but they trusted Heichi Changzhi. If he believed in these strategies, there had to be something to them. Heichi Changzhi sighed, as though even thinking about the plans gave him a headache. ¡°The first strategy is to use catapults to throw plague-infected corpses into the city. The enemy won¡¯t be able to stay behind their walls much longer.¡± . The tent fell into an eerie stillness. The soldiers stared at Heichi Changzhi, eyes wide with shock. None of them had expected such a terrifying, horrific plan. These were battle-hardened veterans, but even they felt a chill at the thought of such devastation. They knew better than anyone the consequences of catapulting diseased bodies into a city. Even these blood-soaked warriors felt their hearts constrict at the thought. Who could come up with such an evil plan? It was ruthless beyond words. Heichi Changzhi took in their reactions, then sighed once more. ¡°The second strategy is to send scouts to locate the city¡¯s water source and throw the plague-infected corpses into the upstream river. Within a month, the city will fall.¡± The room went cold. Everyone¡¯s hair stood on end as they stared at Heichi Changzhi in disbelief. Their eyes widened as the full weight of the strategy hit them. They gasped, their hearts racing as waves of unease crashed through them. Goosebumps prickled their skin, and a chill crawled up their spines. In broad daylight, this plan was enough to freeze their very souls. It wasn¡¯t just about defeating the enemy. It was about condemning everyone inside the city to certain death. This second plan was ten times more ruthless than the first. Too vicious. Too inhumane. The tent remained silent for a long time, the soldiers still processing the sheer brutality of what they had heard. Finally, Guo Jingzhi managed to speak, his voice hushed. ¡°General¡­ who came up with these strategies?¡± Everyone else nodded, their shock still evident. They were desperate to know who could conceive such a cruel and merciless plan. Chapter 45 - Qing Army Commander These Zhou soldiers are too ruthless! Chapter 45: Qing Army Commander These Zhou soldiers are too ruthless!Heichi Changzhi remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, ¡°Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, Yang Yi.¡± The tent fell still. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone was stunned, their eyes wide with shock. They had all heard of Yang Yi¡¯s reputation. The infamous had spread like wildfire through the army, and his , which completely duped the Qing, had cemented his notoriety. No one had expected such a vicious plan, but given his previous tactics, this ruthless move seemed entirely in line with his style. It all made sense now. This strategy was terrifying but fitting. The soldiers were filled with mixed emotions, their eyes drifting unconsciously toward Li Cunxiao, who stood among them. After all, wasn¡¯t Li Cunxiao recommended by Yang Yi? Guo Jingzhi, with a serious tone, asked, ¡°General, now that we have the strategies, which one will we use?¡± All eyes turned to Heichi Changzhi. The plans were there, but they were too ruthless. If executed, their reputation would suffer greatly. Heichi Changzhi gritted his teeth. The Empress had forbidden retreat, clearly signaling her desire to destroy the enemy. She even provided two ruthless strategies to ensure victory. As her subordinate, it was his duty to take the blame for whatever came next. Taking a deep breath, he made his decision. ¡°We will use the first strategy¡­ We¡¯ll start tonight. We must defeat the enemy quickly!¡± He knew that after winning, they would need to occupy the city. The second strategy, while devastating, would leave them with a plague-ridden wasteland¡ªnot worth the cost. A chill spread through the soldiers. ¡°Yes, General,¡± they responded, voices tight with apprehension. ¡­ Yucheng In an opulent mansion, a burly man in casual attire drank from a large jug of wine. This man was none other than Niohuru Nianqi, the Qing Emperor Qianlong¡¯s favored general. When Yang Yi had visited the Qing capital, Nianqi had been tasked with watching over the Great Zhou envoys. But the envoys escaped with the money, enraging Qianlong. Now, with war breaking out between the Great Zhou and the Qing, Nianqi had been sent to the frontlines to redeem himself. Yet, Heichi Changzhi was no ordinary general, leading to a stalemate between their armies. Nianqi, however, felt secure. The enemy camp had been struck with plague, and he believed it was only a matter of time before they collapsed. Then, he would lead his forces to victory in one swift strike. He lazily grabbed a handful of fried rice, took a swig of liquor, and smacked his lips in satisfaction. Life was good. Tap, tap, tap¡­ Hurried footsteps approached. ¡°Lord Nianqi¡­¡± A guard rushed in, pale-faced. Nianqi glanced at him, frowning. ¡°Why the panic? What kind of behavior is this?¡± The guard swallowed nervously and whispered, ¡°My lord, there is an enemy attack¡­¡± The dim lantern light flickered, casting a rosy glow on Nianqi¡¯s face. Slightly tipsy, he waved the guard off dismissively. ¡°Yucheng is well-fortified. Let them try a night attack. It won¡¯t be the first time they¡¯ve attempted this.¡± Sweat beaded on the guard¡¯s brow. ¡°My lord, this time it¡¯s different¡­¡± ¡°They¡¯re using catapults to throw plague-infected corpses into the city.¡± Crash! Nianqi¡¯s hand shook, the wine jug slipping from his grasp and shattering on the ground. His tipsy expression vanished, and his face paled as the weight of the words sank in. His voice, almost unrecognizable from shock, broke the tense silence. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°They threw the corpses in?¡± The guard nodded repeatedly. Boom! Nianqi¡¯s mind felt like it was exploding, buzzing loudly. He swallowed hard, suddenly leaping out of his chair. ¡°Quick, take me to see!¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the guard responded hastily. Moments later, fully armored, Nianqi arrived at the city wall. What he saw made his blood run cold. Corpses littered the battlements¡ªbodies with purple, bruised skin, clearly victims of disease, not natural death. The enemy had indeed catapulted plague-infected corpses into the city. Nianqi¡¯s vision darkened; he nearly fainted. Damn it! These Zhou soldiers are too ruthless! To devise such a heinous strategy¡ªthey¡¯re like demons! Snapping out of his shock, he roared, ¡°Everyone, drag these corpses away!¡± The bodies needed to be taken to an uninhabited area and burned immediately. If they remained, the plague could easily spread to his troops, and disaster would strike. But the soldiers nearby were terrified, frozen in place. These were plague-ridden bodies¡ªwho would dare touch them? Veins bulged on Nianqi¡¯s forehead. He had been drinking, neglecting discipline, and now his men were hesitating. In a fit of rage, he drew his sword, its blade gleaming menacingly in the flickering torchlight. ¡°Anyone who hesitates will be dealt with according to military law!¡± The soldiers trembled, but under Nianqi¡¯s furious glare, they had no choice. Gritting their teeth, they began moving the corpses. Seeing them act, Nianqi finally exhaled, but his tension remained. Damn it. If the plague spreads through the city, he¡¯s finished. Losing the battle would be bad enough; given his favor with the Emperor, he might escape with just a reprimand. But if the entire city became infected and thousands died, that would be an unforgivable crime. Meanwhile, the Zhou army showed no signs of letting up. Their catapults worked efficiently, launching a constant stream of diseased corpses into the city. With every minute, more infected bodies piled up. Nianqi¡¯s veins throbbed, his fury rising to new heights. If this continued, the city would be overrun with plague victims. He had no time to waste. Gritting his teeth, he made a split-second decision. ¡°Send the order¡ªopen the city gates immediately. We fight these damned Zhou soldiers to the death!¡± If they didn¡¯t engage the Zhou forces soon, they¡¯d be drowned in the growing wave of diseased corpses. First, they had to drive out the enemy¡ªthose vile Zhou soldiers! Chapter 46 - Qing Army Defeated! Another evil plan by Yang Yi? Chapter 46: Qing Army Defeated! Another evil plan by Yang Yi?Every movement of the Qing army was carefully observed by Heichi Changzhi. When he saw the enemy open the city gates, a grin of satisfaction spread across his face. ¡°These cowards have finally come out!¡± ¡°Pass on my order¡ªprepare for battle!¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the soldiers responded, their bodies trembling with anticipation. One joss stick later, the Qing soldiers, mentally strained and weary from handling the plague-ridden corpses, rushed out of the city. Waiting for them were the fierce and ready Great Zhou soldiers. These Great Zhou soldiers had been holding back for too long. While the Qing troops hid within the city walls, the Zhou soldiers endured the torment of the plague hanging over them. Now, seeing the Qing soldiers, rage burned in their eyes. ¡°Kill!¡± The Great Zhou soldiers charged, each one fueled by fury. Leading the charge was Li Cunxiao, his long spear cutting down enemies with deadly precision. In the blink of an eye, he had slain more than a dozen foes, leaving rivers of blood in his wake. The Qing soldiers, having enjoyed relative comfort in the days prior, were sluggish and unprepared for this sudden onslaught. The psychological toll of the plague-infected corpses only added to their disarray. Facing the relentless and enraged Great Zhou soldiers, their morale began to crumble. From a distance, Heichi Changzhi¡¯s expression remained serious, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. With a swift wave of his hand, he commanded, ¡°Have the cavalry flank them from both sides. Attack from the front and the back, and cut off their retreat!¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± his deputy generals responded in unison. Moments later, the cavalry charged out like a blade slicing through the enemy¡¯s flanks. The Qing army¡¯s formation collapsed almost instantly. Within half an hour, Yucheng had fallen. ¡­ Three days later, in the Golden Throne Hall¡­ ¡°Your Majesty, are you more comfortable now?¡± Empress Xiaoxianchun, dressed in a red and gold phoenix robe, smiled as she gently massaged the man¡¯s head in front of her. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Qianlong, his eyes half-closed in relaxation, murmured, ¡°Not bad¡­ your skills have improved greatly.¡± Fu Cha Shi¡¯s eyes gleamed with pride, and just as she was about to respond, hurried footsteps interrupted. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng appeared before them, his expression urgent. Fu Cha Shi¡¯s brow furrowed in annoyance, though she feigned displeasure. ¡°Fu Heng, for rushing in and disturbing His Majesty, what punishment do you think you deserve?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng, unafraid, knew his sister was only trying to soften Qianlong¡¯s irritation. Typically, he would have played along and pleaded guilty. But this time, the situation was too grave. Without hesitation, he turned directly to Qianlong. ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s trouble at the front.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes, which had just closed in relaxation, snapped open. He glanced at Fu Cha Shi, who was equally startled and had stopped her massage. Qianlong¡¯s face darkened, a deep frown forming as the weight of Fu Heng¡¯s words settled in. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng took a deep breath, his expression grim, and spoke bitterly. ¡°Nianqi was defeated, and the Zhou soldiers captured Yucheng in one fell swoop.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes narrowed, his face darkening like a thunder cloud. His fists clenched tightly as he fumed, ¡°How is that possible? I gave Nianqi enough troops, and he had the fortifications of Yucheng. How could he be defeated?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng sighed, then began to recount the details of the report. ¡°The Zhou soldiers used plague-infected corpses, throwing them into the city. Nianqi had no choice but to march out and engage them, only to be ambushed by the Zhou army. They quickly overran the city, and he was captured.¡± The hall fell into a deep, suffocating silence. Qianlong¡¯s grip on his chair tightened, the veins in his hands bulging, his wide eyes filled with disbelief. ¡°Throwing plague-infected corpses into the city?¡± he muttered, the words bitter and sharp. ¡°Such ruthlessness?¡± A cold shiver ran from the base of his spine to his heart, raising goosebumps all over his body. ¡°Is this something a human could do?¡± Beside him, Fu Cha Shi¡¯s face turned pale. As a woman who lived her life within the safety of the palace, she had never heard of such cruel and vicious tactics. This was beyond ruthless. Fu Cha Fu Heng, too, felt a sense of helplessness. The enemy¡¯s strategy had been utterly treacherous and inhumane. He smiled bitterly. ¡°I heard this strategy was devised by Yang Yi¡­¡± ¡°Him again? That bastard is truly cunning and treacherous!¡± Qianlong¡¯s voice thundered with fury, his pale complexion growing even more ashen as rage seized him. His fists clenched tighter, and his whole body trembled with barely-contained anger. He already despised Yang Yi to his very core, yearning to tear him apart with his bare hands. Yang Yi¡¯s previous schemes had robbed Qianlong of sleep for days on end, and now, hearing that Yang Yi had once again outwitted him, Qianlong was on the verge of spitting blood from sheer frustration. His vision dimmed with rage. Was Yang Yi his nemesis? This man had ruined several of his carefully laid plans! No wonder the strategy was so cruel¡ªit made perfect sense if it came from Yang Yi. That man never did anything humane! Fu Cha Fu Heng, choosing his words carefully, asked, ¡°Your Majesty, it seems the enemy intends to advance further. What are your orders?¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, his voice dripping with venom as he declared, ¡°Of course, we will continue to fight!¡± ¡°I doubt Yang Yi can use that strategy a second time.¡± His gaze hardened as he spat, ¡°Where is Agui? Summon him immediately.¡± His lips curled into a snarl, ¡°One day, I will catch Yang Yi and skin him alive. Chapter 47 - Li Shimins Shock Chapter 47: Li Shimin¡¯s Shock Great Tang ¡°Did the Qing really lose?¡± Li Shimin stroked his beard, a look of surprise crossing his face. Changsun Wuji gave a wry smile. ¡°That was my reaction when I first heard the news, too. But it¡¯s true¡­ even their Grand Minister of Military Affairs, Niohuru Nianqi, has been captured.¡± Nearby, Li Jing, Hou Junji, and Fang Xuanling exchanged puzzled glances. ¡°Although the Zhou Dynasty isn¡¯t small, its strength shouldn¡¯t surpass the Qing,¡± Li Shimin said, his brows furrowed. ¡°How could they defeat them? The Jurchens are famed for their bravery and martial prowess. Even I wouldn¡¯t underestimate their Iron Pagoda troops. How long did this battle last for them to lose a city so quickly? Niohuru Nianqi is no fool.¡± A strange expression appeared on Changsun Wuji¡¯s face. ¡°Your Majesty, the reason for their swift defeat lies in a treacherous plan by the Zhou.¡± Li Shimin narrowed his eyes. ¡°Oh? What kind of strategy could enable the Zhou to conquer the Qing so easily?¡± Fang Xuanling, intrigued, furrowed his brow. ¡°One side has a city to defend, the other a camp. The Zhou shouldn¡¯t have outlasted the Qing. With the city providing support, what could the Zhou possibly do?¡± Li Jing, Hou Junji, and Cheng Yaojin nodded in agreement. Cheng scratched his head. ¡°Changsun Wuji, stop keeping us in suspense. I¡¯ve fought my share of battles, but I¡¯ve never heard of a city falling this quickly, with both the city and its commander captured. This is outrageous.¡± Changsun Wuji sighed and met their gazes before addressing Li Shimin directly. ¡°Your Majesty, Niohuru Nianqi was safe behind the fortified walls, but a plague broke out in the Zhou camp. In response, the Zhou threw the bodies of infected soldiers into the city¡­¡± The entire hall fell into stunned silence. Changsun continued, ¡°In a panic, Niohuru Nianqi led his troops out to confront the enemy. But this was exactly what the Zhou intended. By luring him into battle, they defeated him swiftly.¡± Li Jing and Hou Junji gasped. The hall remained eerily still as they processed what they¡¯d heard. Li Shimin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°They threw plague-infected corpses into the city?¡± His voice held a mix of disbelief and horror. Changsun Wuji nodded gravely. ¡°The information is accurate.¡± A shiver ran down Li Shimin¡¯s spine. Though he had been on the battlefield since his youth and had faced the likes of Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande, never had he encountered a strategy so ruthless. Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, who had been wondering how the Zhou managed such a swift victory, were equally stunned. they thought. Cheng Yaojin let out a nervous laugh. ¡°Damn, those Zhou people are ruthless.¡± Li Shimin massaged his temples, trying to make sense of it all. ¡°Who could have devised such a sinister strategy? Is there really a treacherous strategist in the Zhou army?¡± The hall fell into deep contemplation. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The war between the Zhou and Qing had garnered attention far beyond their borders, especially since the Central Plains hadn¡¯t witnessed such a major conflict in years. Now, that conflict was being shaped by a cruelty none of them had anticipated. Chapter 48 - The Empress Unconditional Promise! Chapter 48: The Empress¡¯ Unconditional Promise! Ming Dynasty. ¡°This Yang Yi, his methods are ruthless,¡± Zhu Yuanzhang muttered, narrowing his eyes as he tossed the memorial onto the table. ¡°But they suit our taste. Biao¡¯er, you just lack a little ruthlessness. If you could learn even half of Yang Yi¡¯s methods, I would be happy to hand over the empire to you.¡± Zhu Biao smiled bitterly, falling silent. His father had mentioned Yang Yi¡¯s name more times than he could count lately. Qin Dynasty. ¡°Li Si, what do you think our chances would be if the Qin Dynasty faced the Zhou Dynasty and encountered a strategist like Yang Yi?¡± Ying Zheng¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, the question seemingly casual, but his tone was serious. Li Si furrowed his brow, considering the question before he finally relaxed. ¡°Our Qin Dynasty has great generals like Wang Jian, Wang Ben, and Meng Tian, not to mention a million-strong army. Dealing with a mere Yang Yi would be a simple task.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Ying Zheng replied, his voice light. ¡°And what would you do if you faced such a vicious strategy?¡± Li Si was instantly rendered speechless. Ying Zheng tilted his head slightly, not waiting for an answer, as if he had expected none. He spoke slowly, his voice thoughtful. ¡°Those who achieve great things do not bother with trivialities. This person is undoubtedly one of the top strategists in the world. If I cannot use him, it will be a great pity. He alone is worth ten armies.¡± Li Si¡¯s heart trembled, as if a storm was raging inside him. He hadn¡¯t expected His Majesty to hold Yang Yi in such high esteem. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhou Dynasty. ¡°Good news! Your Majesty, good news has arrived!¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er rushed into the hall, breathless, clutching a letter from the front lines. The ministers exchanged puzzled glances. Good news? Could it really be possible, so soon? Wu Zhao, equally surprised, took the letter from Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s hand and quickly opened it. Her eyes scanned the page, her excitement growing as she read the words ¡°Enemy city breached.¡± ¡°Heichi Changzhi used catapults to hurl plague-infected corpses into the enemy city. The enemy was forced to come out and fight and fell into Heichi Changzhi¡¯s ambush. Our army then broke through the enemy¡¯s defenses at Yucheng and captured their most important general, Niohuru Nianqi¡± The hall fell into a stunned silence. Everyone gasped, their eyes turning to Yang Yi, who remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. They had never expected his strategy to yield results so quickly. How many days had passed since the plan had been sent? And already, the city had been captured. Li Yifu gritted his teeth in jealousy. How long had it been? And yet, Yang Yi had already gained another merit. Shangguan Wan¡¯er also glanced at Yang Yi, admiration flashing in her cold eyes, while Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curved into a smile, her phoenix eyes brimming with joy. This victory was more than a triumph¡ªit was the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s first major victory in an external war, capturing an enemy city and expanding their territory. Wu Zhao was thrilled. Since her father¡¯s founding of the Zhou Dynasty, never had they fought such a glorious battle. Her smile deepened as she addressed Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, you have made a great contribution. In this war against the Qing, you deserve the highest merit!¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s tone was laced with approval. ¡°Tell me, what do you desire? Just ask, and I will grant it!¡± All eyes turned to Yang Yi, filled with envy. To be favored like this, to stand in the heart of the ruler¡ªthis was a rare privilege. The Emperor had just publicly offered him a reward. The words of a monarch were not to be taken lightly. Even if Yang Yi were to ask for a princess¡¯s hand in marriage at that moment, the Empress would likely not refuse. The officials¡¯ envy intensified, gnashing their teeth in frustration. Yang Yi had been in office for less than a year, yet he had ascended to such heights. What he had achieved in a single year, others might not accomplish in a lifetime. Li Yifu felt an overwhelming sense of resentment gnawing at him like a venomous snake. Once the favored courtier in front of the Empress, he now felt his position slipping away. Grinding his teeth, he spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, I must commend Minister Yang for his brilliant strategy in defeating the enemy. However, the strategy was undeniably ruthless. It involved discarding the bodies of our fallen soldiers in enemy territory. As the saying goes, ¡®May they rest in peace,¡¯ yet their remains were desecrated for the sake of this cruel plan.¡± Pausing for effect, he continued, ¡°If we lavish rewards upon Minister Yang for this, won¡¯t it encourage such practices? Wouldn¡¯t our Zhou Dynasty be filled with ruthless individuals? I urge Your Majesty to reconsider.¡± Li Yifu had learned his lesson this time. Aware that the Empress valued Yang Yi, he attacked from a different angle, highlighting the potential moral damage to the nation. He had to obstruct Yang Yi¡¯s path, or risk being overshadowed. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain of how to respond. While Li Yifu¡¯s words were self-serving, they could not deny that he had a point. The ruthless nature of Yang Yi¡¯s strategy was indeed alarming, even to the people of Zhou. Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix-like brows furrowed as she shot a displeased glance at Li Yifu. Just as she was about to speak, Yang Yi¡¯s soft chuckle echoed through the hall. ¡°Minister Li¡¯s words are reasonable.¡± The room fell silent, disbelief rippling through the crowd. Had Yang Yi lost his mind? Was he really siding with Li Yifu? Wu Zhao, too, was taken aback. Her brows knitted slightly as she scrutinized Yang Yi in silence, trying to grasp his intent. Li Yifu, meanwhile, was equally stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi to agree with him so readily, leaving him momentarily at a loss. This victory, it seemed, was not as straightforward as it had first appeared. Chapter 49 - Promotion and Title! Is the Princess Jealous? Chapter 49: Promotion and Title! Is the Princess Jealous?As everyone watched Yang Yi with varying expressions, he cupped his hands toward the Empress and spoke, his tone steady and humble. ¡°However, I have never sought a reward, Your Majesty. It was our brave Zhou soldiers who defeated the Qing, faced the plague, and captured the enemy city. How could I dare claim the highest merit? And those soldiers who perished from the plague¡ª they sacrificed their lives for the country and should be honored.¡± ¡°I humbly request that Your Majesty erect a memorial forest for these martyrs, with their names inscribed on monuments, so that future generations may remember and honor them.¡± As his words fell, the previously restless hall fell into a stunned silence. Many officials were left speechless, their faces filled with astonishment. Unbelievable! He was giving up such a monumental opportunity for promotion to honor a group of common soldiers? Veteran officials like Xu Jingzong, who had spent decades in the court, nodded in quiet admiration. This was the art of language. Those soldiers infected with the plague had never fought in battle, and by custom, their fate was to be cremated to prevent the plague¡¯s spread. Yet, due to Yang Yi¡¯s brilliant strategy, their bodies were now part of a victory. Anyone with insight could see that Yang Yi deserved the highest merit. But here he was, claiming that those soldiers had sacrificed their lives for the country and deserved the highest honors. This was rhetoric at its finest! In just a few words, he had transformed the entire situation. What should have been merely a tactical use of fallen bodies was now a noble sacrifice for the nation. It was a direct rebuke to Li Yifu. Li Yifu had accused Yang Yi of destroying soldiers¡¯ bodies, but Yang Yi had reframed it as a sacrifice for the country. The difference in tone was immediately apparent to all. Xu Jingzong and the others understood this well, and of course, so did Li Yifu. His face turned slightly pale, and he regretted his earlier rashness. Now, he stood in stark contrast to Yang Yi, appearing petty in comparison. Shangguan Wan¡¯er bit her lip, realizing just how skilled Yang Yi truly was. Her earlier worry for him was entirely misplaced¡ªMinister Yang had masterfully countered Li Yifu¡¯s shallow attempt to smear his reputation. Wu Zhao raised her phoenix-like brows in surprise, having not expected Yang Yi to reject a personal reward in favor of honoring the fallen soldiers. Her admiration for him deepened. In a world full of cunning yet heartless individuals, sincere and considerate people like Yang Yi were rare. Most fallen soldiers would have received modest compensation, and their families would have been informed of their deaths. But Yang Yi¡¯s proposal to create a memorial forest not only honored their sacrifice but also secured their names in history. The Empress grew even fonder of Yang Yi. He understood propriety, knew when to step forward and when to retreat, served the Emperor with loyalty, and connected with the sentiments of the people. Although his strategies were undeniably ruthless, his depth of character made him invaluable to the Zhou Dynasty. Her lips curved into a faint smile, and her voice, imbued with imperial authority, echoed through the hall. ¡°I will not forget the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. A monument will be erected in Luoyang with their names, and their families will receive significant compensation from the court. If their children choose to join the military, they will have additional opportunities for promotion in the future.¡± Yang Yi smiled humbly. ¡°Your Majesty is wise.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s smile widened slightly. ¡°However, your modesty will not diminish your achievements. Your merits are plain for all to see.¡± ¡°I will not overlook a meritorious minister. Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do; you will be elevated to the title of Count of the County, and you will also assume the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War.¡± Yang Yi blinked in surprise, not expecting such a promotion at all. He immediately bowed. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± The Zhou officials in the hall were left in shock, reeling from the sudden turn of events. Yang Yi¡¯s maneuvering had truly left the court in awe. He had skillfully turned what could have been a simple promotion into a grand gesture of selflessness. By shifting the credit to the soldiers and asking for a memorial forest, Yang Yi not only garnered public recognition but also solidified his standing with both the Empress and the Zhou citizens. Now, with the families of those fallen soldiers forever grateful to him, his reputation would be transformed entirely. His initial act of humility had, in fact, secured him more power and influence than a straightforward reward ever could. The officials, their expressions conflicted, turned their gaze toward Li Yifu. His face shifted through various shades of green, white, and red. He had just attempted to undermine Yang Yi, but Yang Yi, with a simple but devastatingly effective move, had humiliated him instead¡ªpublicly. Under the weight of the crowd¡¯s stares, Li Yifu felt his blood boil. His anger surged, but there was nothing he could do. In fact, he was on the verge of coughing up blood from sheer frustration. At that precise moment, Yang Yi turned to him, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°Minister Li,¡± he said softly, ¡°you no longer seem concerned about encouraging bad practices, do you?¡± The words struck like a dagger. The room fell silent once again as all eyes turned toward Li Yifu. His face turned from iron blue to black, and then to a deep purple. His lips quivered as he forced out the words, each one bitter to swallow. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t,¡± he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I was thinking too much.¡± A collective gasp echoed throughout the hall. Li Yifu had been forced to admit his mistake in front of Yang Yi. Though higher in rank, Li Yifu¡¯s confession not only humiliated him, but it also shattered his authority in front of the entire court. Yang Yi¡¯s methods, though subtle, were merciless. With one deft move, he had taken revenge and elevated himself even higher. The officials now regarded Yang Yi with a newfound respect, knowing full well how formidable he truly was. Half an hour later, as the officials were departing Qianyuan Hall, Yang Yi found a quiet corner and discreetly opened his system panel. [Host: Yang Yi] [Poison Expert Rating: 91,236] Yang Yi blinked in disbelief. His recent strategy of using plague-infected corpses had directly boosted his Poison Expert level by nearly ninety thousand. This was an enormous gain! Feeling quite satisfied, he couldn¡¯t resist opening the system¡¯s lottery once again. The thrill of the lottery was addictive, especially when his luck seemed to be on a roll. [Ding! 90,000 Poison Expert Value consumed, lottery started.] The system prompt flashed before his eyes. The prize pool lit up, a dazzling array of items swirling in front of him. After a few moments, a series of announcements rang out. [Ding! Congratulations to the host for winning a Ferghana Horse *1.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Policewoman Cosplay Outfit *1.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host on obtaining Diamond Rings *10.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving the Gunpowder Making Technique.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Black Stockings *10.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Lubricating Oil *10.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Stamina Boost.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Stamina Enhancement.] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a character summoning card: Xu Chu.] As Yang Yi scanned the rewards, his heart leapt. While the other rewards were intriguing, the immediately caught his attention. He hadn¡¯t expected to win something so monumental! Historically, gunpowder development required significant resources and even cost lives. Even with his current high position, it would have taken an enormous amount of time to stabilize production. But now, he possessed perfected gunpowder technology! This was a tremendous victory, giving him a strategic advantage few could imagine. Just as Yang Yi was reveling in his good fortune, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Minister Yang¡­¡± It was Hua Mei, the personal maid of Princess Wu Mingyue. Yang Yi looked up, slightly startled, as she bowed respectfully. ¡°Minister Yang, the princess requests your presence.¡± ¡­ A short while later, Yang Yi stood in Shu Yu Palace. His mood, buoyed by his recent windfall, made him smile as he greeted the princess. ¡°Does the princess have some important business with me?¡± he asked, his tone playful. Wu Mingyue pouted, her voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°Humph, it¡¯s that reader who keeps writing to you. She sent you a bunch of letters, all through the newspaper.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t come to pick them up, so I had to bring them to you. It¡¯s really annoying.¡± Yang Yi was momentarily surprised before he remembered the fan mail he had been receiving. Ever since became popular, readers from neighboring countries had started writing to him, particularly regarding his works, and Female readers especially seemed captivated by his novels, and he had received a flood of letters. There was one female reader, however, who stood out. She claimed to be from the Qin Dynasty, though she never revealed her identity. Her letters were written with exquisite calligraphy, and her words hinted at a noble upbringing. Curious, Yang Yi had replied once, and this had sparked a steady correspondence. Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Thank you, Princess.¡± Seeing his delighted expression, Wu Mingyue felt an unexpected pang of jealousy and indignation. She snorted softly. ¡°Look at you, so pleased with yourself. Don¡¯t get too happy too soon¡ªthis woman might be a two-hundred-pound fatty,¡± she snapped, unaware of the jealousy lacing her words. Yang Yi laughed, his mood even brighter. Sometimes, could be quite adorable. He blinked playfully. ¡°Is the princess worried I might meet the wrong person?¡± Lifting her head with mock pride, Wu Mingyue retorted, ¡°Humph, why should I worry about you?¡± Yang Yi, seeing through her act, nodded sagely. ¡°Ah, I see. The princess must be jealous.¡± Chapter 50 - The Worlds Most Beautiful Strategist and Her Greedy, Lustful Servant! Chapter 50: The World¡¯s Most Beautiful Strategist and Her Greedy, Lustful Servant!Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, her round pupils as black and white as porcelain inked with delicate brush strokes. A faint pink spread across her pale, porcelain-like skin as she stammered, trying to regain her composure. ¡°Jea¡­ jealous? How could I be jealous?¡± she said, her voice faltering. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± She huffed, crossing her arms defensively, her gaze wandering off to avoid his eyes. ¡°, how could I be jealous of you? You¡¯re so full of yourself.¡± Unfazed, Yang Yi flashed her a knowing smile. ¡°Your Highness didn¡¯t happen to peek at my letter, did you?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyebrows arched in disbelief, her lips parting slightly. She pointed at herself with her slender fingers. ¡°You don¡¯t actually think I¡¯ve fallen in love with you, do you?¡± Her face flushed a deeper shade of pink. ¡°Of course not! How could I look at your letter? Whatever you and that woman talk about has nothing to do with me! , I¡¯m not the type to snoop into other people¡¯s letters!¡± Her voice wavered, even though she tried to sound confident. Despite her indignant tone, Wu Mingyue found herself fidgeting, unable to meet his eyes. She hadn¡¯t read the letter¡ªbut she had been tempted. Her guilt stirred briefly, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little exposed. ? she thought, trying to brush the feeling away. Bolstered by this self-reassurance, she straightened her posture, her chest rising and falling with a renewed sense of dignity. Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened, his gaze calm yet teasing. ¡°I was just saying, Your Highness. No need to react so strongly. Someone who didn¡¯t know better might think you read it.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s delicate brows shot up, her lips curving downward in displeasure. She fumed inwardly, glaring at him with renewed annoyance. Ignoring her increasingly sour expression, Yang Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°So, how are the sales of the going?¡± he asked, swiftly shifting the conversation. Wu Mingyue finally calmed herself down, suppressing her irritation. At his question, she let out a light snort. ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re interested in the sales of the , Deputy Editor? I haven¡¯t seen you since the first issue hit the stands!¡± Yang Yi replied with mock solemnity, ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯ve misunderstood my dedication entirely.¡± He straightened, feigning righteous indignation. ¡°Although I haven¡¯t been physically present at the office, my heart is always there. You see, and are works born of sweat and tears.¡± His voice softened dramatically. ¡°You don¡¯t know the effort I put in. I stay up late every night, rise before dawn, and pour my soul into those manuscripts. All this, just to help boost our newspaper¡¯s sales.¡± He paused, lowering his voice to a pained whisper. ¡°Lately, I¡¯ve been so exhausted, I¡¯ve even found a few strands of white hair. Yet here I am, misunderstood by Your Highness.¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his lament. A pang of guilt hit her as she remembered how brilliant those stories truly were. and were both extraordinary works that garnered widespread praise. For Yang Yi to create them while managing his official duties¡­ he have been working tirelessly. She bit her lip, her earlier annoyance giving way to guilt. But then she noticed the slight twitch at the corner of Yang Yi¡¯s mouth, as if he was barely holding back a laugh. Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°???¡± . Her eyes widened in realization. Her face flushed in indignation as she stomped her foot in frustration. She glared at him, her cheeks puffed with anger. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re so bad!¡± Her chest trembled slightly with each angry breath. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi, struggling not to laugh, couldn¡¯t help but notice how her tone sounded less like a reprimand and more like a playful scold. Wu Mingyue probably realized at that moment that she wasn¡¯t scolding Yang Yi at all, but instead flirting, like a lover caught in a teasing game. Her pale, delicate face flushed a deeper red, like a light layer of rouge suddenly applied to her cheeks. She pouted and snorted softly, trying her best to maintain her composure. ¡°Currently, the sales of the in Luoyang reach two hundred thousand copies per issue,¡± she began, with an air of professionalism. ¡°As for other regions combined, it¡¯s somewhere between seven hundred thousand and eight hundred thousand copies. A significant portion even comes from neighboring countries.¡± Her voice was steady, but her reddened face betrayed her lingering embarrassment. ¡°But,¡± she continued, still somewhat distracted, ¡°even though we¡¯ve already published over a dozen issues, many people still come to the office to buy the first and second ones.¡± Yang Yi nodded, completely unsurprised. The speed of information dissemination in this era was vastly inferior to that of later generations. Even though the had reached its tenth edition in Luoyang, people in more distant regions hadn¡¯t yet seen the first issue. This created a natural information gap, one that people were eager to fill. ¡°Scalpers must have appeared,¡± Yang Yi mused aloud, noting how it paralleled markets in later eras. Wu Mingyue nodded. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s been quite a few.¡± This, Yang Yi thought, only further proved the paper¡¯s immense popularity. Smiling to himself, he snapped his fingers. ¡°Next, we should consider opening branches of the in various regions across the Great Zhou. And why not expand into the capitals of neighboring countries as well?¡± Wu Mingyue blinked at him, taken aback by the idea. ¡°Opening newspaper offices within the Great Zhou isn¡¯t an issue¡­ but expanding into other countries? That might be difficult.¡± Yang Yi gave her a confident smile, as if he had anticipated this concern. ¡°I know. But let¡¯s try it anyway. If we fail, no harm done. At the very least, we should maximize the paper¡¯s influence within the Great Zhou.¡± He raised a hand, gesturing toward the ceiling as if marking the sky with his ambition. ¡°Let¡¯s set a small goal: double the sales by next month.¡± Wu Mingyue was stunned, her mouth slightly agape, her rosy lips parting in disbelief. The surprise was so palpable that Yang Yi could even glimpse the pink tip of her tongue as she struggled to form a response. ¡°Double the sales?¡± she asked incredulously, her dark brows knitting together in confusion. ¡°How could that be possible?¡± Yang Yi, ever the picture of confidence, leaned in slightly. ¡°Why not? I have a strategy. If everything goes according to plan, not only will sales double, they might increase several times over.¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, her eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°What strategy?¡± she asked, leaning forward. Yang Yi met her gaze, his expression dead serious. ¡°The time is not right yet¡­¡± he said cryptically, before flashing her a teasing grin. Wu Mingyue¡¯s eye twitched in frustration. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to hit him. One joss stick later, Yang Yi had already left the palace. Only Wu Mingyue remained in the Shu Yu Palace, her earlier frustration simmering just beneath the surface. She snorted lightly, pulling out a thin booklet from her drawer, followed by her pen and ink. As she dipped her brush into the ink, she hesitated for a moment, her mind replaying Yang Yi¡¯s smug smile. , With a determined huff, she began to write vigorously. Chapter 51 Chapter 51As Wu Mingyue wrote these words, her lips curved into a smile. She couldn¡¯t resist fidgeting with her slender legs, her skirt swaying slightly, offering glimpses of her graceful figure. Biting the end of her brush, she continued, her inspiration flowing freely. , she wrote, As Wu Mingyue penned these words, her smile deepened. Her brush moved with confidence, and her eyes gleamed with excitement. she thought gleefully. After some time, she finally put down her brush. Her face was flushed with excitement, her slender frame brimming with energy. Humming a little tune, she placed the booklet on her bedside table, feeling accomplished. The inspiration she had drawn from Yang Yi¡¯s and had opened a whole new world for her. Now, she too was creating stories¡ªstories that would capture hearts and minds. With a smug laugh, she flopped onto her bed, pulling her skirt up carelessly as she laughed, thoroughly enjoying herself. ¡­ Meanwhile, across town, Yang Yi sneezed. He rubbed his nose, mumbling, ¡°Did I catch a cold last night? Must be from sleeping uncovered¡­¡± Just then, a servant entered, bowing respectfully. ¡°Master, the greenhouse you had constructed is now finished. Would you like to take a look?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I want to see it.¡± A short while later, Yang Yi stood before his farmland¡ªan estate he had leased where tenant farmers worked for him. Here, he had planted a variety of crops: sweet potatoes, corn, chilli peppers, cotton, and various fruits, all courtesy of his system¡¯s rewards. He had also recently ordered the construction of greenhouses. As he looked out over the rows of greenhouses, which resembled transparent tents glistening in the sunlight, Yang Yi felt a deep satisfaction. These modern greenhouses were unlike anything that could be constructed with the technology of the current era. They were another reward from the system, equipped with advanced materials far beyond what the people of this time could produce. Thanks to these greenhouses, he could grow fruits and vegetables out of season, significantly improving the quality of life. Standing there, admiring the result, Yang Yi felt that his small slice of modernity in the ancient world was not only a mark of progress but a quiet revolution. Yang Yi nodded in satisfaction and praised the tenants beside him, leaving them both surprised and honored. The next day, Yang Yi rose early and made his way to the Empress¡¯s Qianyuan Hall. Half an hour later. ¡°Are you saying¡­ this so-called gunpowder has the power to split mountains and rocks?¡± Wu Zhao looked at the pile of papers Yang Yi handed her with astonishment. The papers were filled with highly precise diagrams and terms that she could not understand at all. Yang Yi replied solemnly, ¡°Your Majesty, when have I ever exaggerated?¡± Wu Zhao thought for a moment. It seemed to be true; this guy always did more than he said. Her phoenix-like eyes turned slightly. ¡°You want to use gunpowder in the military?¡± Yang Yi nodded slightly. ¡°Exactly, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Once gunpowder is introduced, it will have the power to change the balance of power between nations. It could even lay the foundation for the Great Zhou to unite the world.¡± Wu Zhao was stunned and looked at Yang Yi in surprise. She had not expected the gunpowder he spoke of to be so powerful. If she really had the power Yang Yi claimed, wouldn¡¯t she have a chance to conquer the world? At this thought, Wu Zhao¡¯s heart could not help but beat wildly. The various nations in the Central Plains had created an unprecedented era of great strife. Any ambitious emperor would dream of being the one to end the chaos and achieve the unification of the world, becoming a legendary ruler for the ages. The Empress stifled the waves in her heart and pondered for a moment. ¡°I will allocate funds for the development of this gunpowder.¡± ¡°However, you must be the one to oversee this matter, and no one else must know.¡± If the gunpowder truly possessed the terrifying power Yang Yi described, it would be classified as a top secret of the Great Zhou. She trusted no one but Yang Yi with this task. Yang Yi blinked. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± The Empress pursed her lips, her black and white eyes shimmering slightly. She asked calmly, ¡°How have you been getting along with Wu Mingyue lately?¡± Yang Yi was taken aback, not expecting the Empress to suddenly bring this up, leaving him at a loss for words. After a moment¡¯s thought, he replied, ¡°Your Majesty, the Princess and I have been working together on the newspaper. The princess is very hardworking, and sales of the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ are very high.¡± Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi thoughtfully. It was clear that her question had another meaning. However, Yang Yi seemed to play dumb and gave an irrelevant answer. The Empress¡¯s face remained expressionless, but her heart grew more complicated. Hearing that Yang Yi didn¡¯t directly address his relationship with Wu Mingyue, she couldn¡¯t quite describe her feelings. She didn¡¯t know if she should feel happy or dissatisfied, or perhaps a mixture of the two. For the first time, the wise and mature Empress could not even understand her own true feelings. As her elder sister, she hoped that Wu Mingyue could marry a good man, and Yang Yi was clearly a good choice. However, seeing the two of them getting along so well, she felt a twinge of jealousy. She didn¡¯t even know why she had asked the question. The Empress remained silent, and Yang Yi naturally didn¡¯t say anything either. Both the Empress and her minister fell silent, and the room suddenly became still. At that moment¡­ Shangguan Wan¡¯er quietly entered and respectfully said, ¡°Your Majesty, the people of the Qing have sent a letter from Qianlong¡­¡± S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 52 Chapter 52: A Poisonous Plan with Triple Benefits! Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s arrival broke the slightly awkward atmosphere. The Empress quickly regained her composure, her deep, dark eyes radiating authority. ¡°A letter from Qianlong?¡± Since the two countries had fallen out completely and were at war, correspondence had been nonexistent. This was the first time Qianlong had sent her a letter. Shangguan Wan¡¯er quickly presented the letter she was holding. Wu Zhao opened it, a cold smile forming at the corners of her mouth. ¡°He certainly has wishful thinking.¡± She then calmly said, ¡°Summon all the officials¡­ I have matters to discuss.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er replied respectfully and then withdrew. After Shangguan Wan¡¯er left, the Empress handed the letter to Yang Yi, her slender, fair fingers holding it delicately as a faint smile played on her lips. ¡°Take a look. Qianlong is asking us to return his Chief Minister of Military Affairs, Niohuru Nianqi.¡± ¡°Niohuru Nianqi was taken to Luoyang yesterday.¡± Yang Yi took the letter, glanced over it, and couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Niohuru Nianqi is a noble descendant of the Qing Dynasty and one of Qianlong¡¯s most trusted generals¡­ Of course, he wouldn¡¯t want his top general held captive by the Great Zhou.¡± Wu Zhao pondered for a moment. ¡°Qianlong is probably willing to pay a price to get Niohuru Nianqi back.¡± ¡°What terms do you think we should propose?¡± Yang Yi blinked, his gaze meeting the Empress¡¯s cold and noble expression. ¡°Your Majesty intends to exchange him?¡± Wu Zhao was stunned, slightly confused. Not exchange him? ¡­ One joss stick later. Inside the Qianyuan Hall, the ministers had gathered. Xu Jingzong and other senior officials of the Secretariat stood at the front, divided into two sides. The Empress looked at the crowd and calmly said, ¡°The enemy General Niohuru Nianqi, captured by Heichi Changzhi, has been brought to Luoyang. ¡°Qianlong wants us to return Niohuru Nianqi. What do you think?¡± The hall buzzed with murmurs. They hadn¡¯t expected Qianlong to request Niohuru Nianqi¡¯s return. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Your Majesty, perhaps we can use this person to demand more from Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, to make him bleed a little.¡± The other officials nodded in agreement. ¡°Indeed, Niohuru Nianqi is a renowned general of the Qing Dynasty. Qianlong will certainly pay a price for him.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, keeping Niohuru Nianqi here is just a waste of food. We might as well trade him for some money.¡± ¡°Niohuru Nianqi¡¯s family has great influence in the Qing Dynasty. We should be able to negotiate favourable terms.¡± The crowd buzzed with discussions. Wu Zhao remained noncommittal, her thoughts aligning with theirs initially. But after hearing Yang Yi¡¯s idea, she reconsidered. Her gaze swept over the crowd before resting on him. ¡°Minister Yang, what do you think?¡± The room¡¯s attention gradually shifted to Yang Yi. Their feelings toward him were complicated. They acknowledged his talents, but his ruthless schemes were difficult for these traditional scholars to handle. Li Yifu looked at Yang Yi with a complex expression. Over the past six months, Yang Yi had repeatedly outmanoeuvred him, causing even the Empress to grow cold toward him. Unfazed by their gazes, Yang Yi smiled and asked, ¡°May I ask, what is the best condition we can obtain by returning Niohuru Nianqi to Qianlong?¡± The crowd was stunned, falling into deep thought. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard and mused, ¡°Two hundred thousand taels of silver? Three thousand bolts of silk? And one thousand horses?¡± Yang Yi replied seriously, ¡°Lord Xu, do you think these riches are more important or is an enemy general more valuable?¡± Xu Jingzong narrowed his eyes. ¡°In terms of value, the person is, of course, more important. However, Niohuru Nianqi is of little use to us as long as he is in our hands.¡± The other officials nodded, agreeing with this sentiment. Xu Jingzong continued, ¡°Besides, the conflict between the two countries has far-reaching consequences. If we give Qianlong some face at this time and return Niohuru Nianqi to the Qing Dynasty under certain conditions, perhaps this war will gradually die down.¡± ¡°After all, war is not beneficial to either country.¡± Upon hearing this, the officials nodded in agreement. Xu Jingzong, a senior court official, clearly had a long-term perspective. Yang Yi glanced at the crowd and then suddenly asked, ¡°Do you all believe that the Great Zhou and the Qing Dynasty can return to peace?¡± The hall suddenly fell silent as the officials exchanged uncertain glances. One official couldn¡¯t help but speak up. ¡°Minister Yang, do you intend to continue fighting the Qing Dynasty? Now that our Great Zhou has achieved victory, perhaps we should first consolidate the territories we¡¯ve gained.¡± This official was Zhang Jianzhi, the Minister of War. Currently, Yang Yi held the position of Deputy War Minister, making Zhang Jianzhi his direct superior. Yang Yi folded his hands in a salute. ¡°Minister Zhang, while we may wish to consolidate the territories we¡¯ve conquered, the enemy may not share that sentiment.¡± ¡°Qianlong, after his provocations against our Great Zhou, has now suffered a heavy defeat and lost face entirely. How could he be willing to cease hostilities?¡± ¡°I suspect Qianlong is currently mobilizing his troops, preparing to wage war against our Great Zhou once more.¡± ¡°If we return Niohuru Nianqi, won¡¯t that reinvigorate their forces?¡± ¡°A skilled general is far more valuable in times of war than any material wealth.¡± As Yang Yi¡¯s words settled, Zhang Jianzhi fell into deep thought. An elderly man in a purple robe beside him pondered aloud, ¡°So, Minister Yang, what is your suggestion?¡± Yang Yi turned to the elder, recognizing him as Wei Yuanzhong, a Veteran Minister who had served the founding emperor of the Great Zhou. Along with Xu Jingzong and others, Wei was a pillar of the empire. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though Li Yifu held considerable power, his recent rise lacked the seniority and legacy of these veterans. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Lord Wei, I believe that since we are already at war, and the enemy shows no intention of surrendering, we might as well humiliate them to the very end!¡± Wei Yuanzhong was momentarily stunned, his aged but sharp eyes filled with astonishment. ¡°Minister Yang¡­ are you suggesting we kill Niohuru Nianqi?¡± The room fell into a heavy silence. The officials collectively gasped, their eyes wide with shock as they processed Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless proposal. No wonder he¡¯s known as the most ruthless strategist in Great Zhou, they thought. Even now, he¡¯s plotting to unnerve the enemy further. Rejecting Qianlong¡¯s proposal and executing his most trusted general? That would send Qianlong into a fit of rage! A true psychological strike. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, a wry smile appearing on his wrinkled face. ¡°The young certainly do have boldness¡­¡± The other ministers nodded, though their apprehension was clear. The Qing Dynasty was still a formidable power. The Manchu cavalry had once ruled vast swathes of land. While the Great Zhou were not afraid, they didn¡¯t wish to provoke unnecessary conflict. Many of the officials believed in negotiating where possible and maintaining stability as the priority. They had not anticipated Yang Yi¡¯s desire to provoke Qianlong so brazenly. While Yang Yi speculated that Qianlong might attack again, it was still conjecture. Actively antagonizing him was an entirely different matter. Chapter 53 Chapter 53The officials instinctively looked at the Empress again, only to find her listening calmly, showing no intention of interfering with their discussion. As the ministers felt complicated emotions and marvelled at Yang Yi¡¯s audacity, the Empress¡¯s rosy lips curled slightly, amused by the perplexity that had spread among her officials. Shangguan Wan¡¯er blinked her beautiful eyes, sharing in the confusion, unable to comprehend Yang Yi¡¯s meaning. Yang Yi blinked and said, ¡°Lord Wei, Lord Xu, did you misunderstand?¡± ¡°When did I say that we should kill Niohuru Nianqi?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Wei Yuanzhong was stunned, clearly puzzled. The old man, who had been a child prodigy since his youth and had risen to high ranks through the Imperial Examinations, was truly baffled by Yang Yi¡¯s words. The others, including Xu Jingzong, were equally taken aback. ¡°What do you mean, Minister Yang? You said we should insult Qianlong to the end, but now you¡¯re saying we shouldn¡¯t kill Niohuru Nianqi?¡± Wei Yuanzhong asked, his confusion mirrored by the other ministers. Yang Yi smiled faintly, showing his white teeth. ¡°Why should we kill Niohuru Nianqi? Not only should we not kill him, but we should also agree to Qianlong¡¯s request and return Niohuru Nianqi in exchange for a hefty ransom.¡± The officials were left stunned. Zhang Jianzhi, looking particularly perplexed, said, ¡°Minister Yang, didn¡¯t you just argue that returning him would be a mistake? Why the sudden change?¡± Li Yifu, who had previously planned to mock Yang Yi, chose to remain silent, wary of another public embarrassment. He watched closely, waiting to see where Yang Yi was headed with his strange idea. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, his weathered face showing a wry smile. ¡°Minister Yang, stop keeping us in suspense. What are you really planning?¡± Yang Yi, seeing the attention on him, responded seriously, ¡°Lord Xu, I am not keeping you in suspense. I have already said what I intended. We won¡¯t kill Niohuru Nianqi because returning him can bring us certain benefits. However, if we return him without a plan, we would simply be handing back a great general to our enemy.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, ¡°Thus, I propose a strategy that will allow us to return Niohuru Nianqi to Qianlong, extort a significant sum of money from the Qing Dynasty, and thoroughly humiliate Qianlong. Moreover, once we send Niohuru Nianqi back, Qianlong himself will likely never use him again¡ªor might even kill him.¡± Stunned silence filled the room. The ministers exchanged glances, their shock evident. Wei Yuanzhong frowned deeply. ¡°Minister Yang, that sounds like pure fantasy. How could such a scheme be achieved?¡± ¡°Where in the world could you both ransom a valuable general and provoke the enemy into executing him? Qianlong is no fool; why would he give us a sum of money only to turn around and kill his trusted general?¡± At first, he had admired Yang Yi, thinking that the emergence of new talent in the Empire was a blessing for the Great Zhou. But now, it seemed this young man had grown too arrogant after achieving some success and did not know his limits. Although Qianlong was arrogant and conceited, he was no fool. Even an ordinary person wouldn¡¯t give you a sum of money to get someone back only to turn around and kill them. That was treating people like complete idiots. ¡°Yes, yes, Lord Wei is right,¡± one official remarked. ¡°Minister Yang is clever, but his words this time do seem a bit far-fetched.¡± ¡°I agree. Even ordinary people wouldn¡¯t make such a losing deal. Why would Qianlong?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense. How could Minister Yang make such a mistake?¡± The crowd began to discuss, and the hall grew somewhat noisy. Wu Zhao glanced at the commotion and then at Yang Yi, who remained calm despite being the focus of skeptical glances. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit impressed. Someone who bore thunder in their heart yet maintained a calm exterior could be entrusted with great responsibility. This young talent, only twenty years old, already possessed the imposing manner of a great general. Clearing her throat easily, the room fell silent immediately. The Empress¡¯s voice was calm, without the slightest ripple. ¡°Since Minister Yang has a plan, why not share it with us?¡± The eyes of the crowd turned toward Yang Yi, their expressions varying¡ªsome skeptical, some supportive, and some gleeful. Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a smile. His handsome face remained calm and composed, as if he could face the collapse of Mount Tai without flinching. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect. ¡°Before I reveal my strategy, may I ask if any of you are aware of the recent nationwide sensation, the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯?¡± His words left the crowd momentarily stunned. The ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯? Of course, they knew about it. In fact, many of them were among its main subscribers. Wei Yuanzhong frowned in thought. ¡°The ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯? I¡¯ve heard of it. It¡¯s supposed to record all recent events on a few sheets of paper, distributed nationwide, with a new issue every seven days. The information on it is called ¡®news¡¯.¡± Yang Yi clapped his hands and laughed. ¡°Lord Wei, you are absolutely right. It is indeed this newspaper.¡± He continued, ¡°The current issue of the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ sells nearly two hundred thousand copies in Luoyang alone, and in other places, it can reach seven hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand copies¡­ By now, the total sales of all published editions must have reached at least tens of millions.¡± Upon hearing this, the crowd was visibly shocked. Incredible! A simple newspaper could sell such astonishing numbers. Xu Jingzong, Zhang Jianzhi, Wei Yuanzhong, and others wore pensive expressions as they contemplated the implications. What did Yang Yi¡¯s mention of the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ have to do with Qianlong? Wei Yuanzhong spoke up, his voice deep. ¡°The ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ is indeed a good business, but it seems to have nothing to do with our discussion.¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. Yang Yi¡¯s face bore a mysterious smile. ¡°Lord Wei, you are mistaken¡­ If the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ can sell so many copies, doesn¡¯t that mean there are millions of potential customers?¡± Wei Yuanzhong instinctively nodded. Yang Yi continued, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, what if I use the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ to announce to the entire world that Niohuru Nianqi is in my hands? Do you think people would believe it?¡± Wei Yuanzhong frowned. ¡°The news that the Great Zhou has defeated the Qing and captured the enemy¡¯s most important general has already spread far and wide. If the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ publishes this news, why wouldn¡¯t they believe it?¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. Yang Yi sneered. ¡°Then what if I publish in the ¡®Great Zhou Bao¡¯ that Niohuru Nianqi was severely tortured during his imprisonment in Luoyang and revealed some secrets about Qianlong to save his life¡­ For example, Qianlong is a lecherous emperor who likes to seduce other men¡¯s wives and daughters, has a taste for young men, is bloodthirsty and cruel, and even covets the wives of his ministers and brothers. Do you think people would believe that?¡± The hall suddenly fell into an eerie silence. Everyone stared at Yang Yi in shock, gasping as their hair stood on end. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 54 Chapter 54At this point, the officials in the hall suddenly understood the terrifying brilliance behind Yang Yi¡¯s plan. He intended to use the immense influence of the to heap an overwhelming amount of slander on Qianlong. A rumour started by three people could seem credible, but what if tens of thousands¡ªor even hundreds of thousands¡ªspread the same rumour? With a circulation of hundreds of thousands, the reach and impact of such allegations were unimaginable. One could foresee the chaos that would ensue once the baseless yet vicious rumours about Qianlong¡¯s lechery, cruelty, and other unsavoury behaviours were printed in the . Even if such rumours were couched in suggestive terms like ¡°suspected¡± or ¡°possibly,¡± the public would lap it up. After all, who wouldn¡¯t want to hear scandalous stories about an emperor? At that point, the truth would no longer matter. As long as the rumours circulated widely enough, they would be accepted as fact. Qianlong¡¯s reputation would be utterly destroyed. And as for Niohuru Nianqin, the alleged source of these fabricated revelations, even if he were returned to the Qing Dynasty, would he ever be trusted again? If Qianlong were even slightly vindictive, Nianqin would be executed upon his return. In the best-case scenario, he would live the rest of his life in disgrace, never to reappear in court. With Yang Yi¡¯s words fresh in their minds, the officials finally grasped the full horror of his plan. They all turned to look at Yang Yi with astonished expressions, their scalps tingling with dread. His strategy was far more ruthless than anything they could have anticipated. This wasn¡¯t just about killing a person¡ªit was about publicly crucifying them, using the power of public opinion to ruin a man¡¯s reputation beyond repair. The hall descended into a deathly silence. Wei Yuanzhong, whose weathered face was furrowed with deep wrinkles, trembled as he swallowed, his throat dry. His thoughts raced as he tried to process what he had just heard. This young Minister Yang was terrifying. In all his years, he had never witnessed a plan so brutal, so devastating. Even Xu Jingzong, Zhang Jianzhi, and the other seasoned officials appeared dumbfounded. They exchanged uneasy glances, bitter smiles playing on their lips. Had they truly encountered a living demon? They imagined themselves in Nianqin¡¯s position¡ªif similar rumours were spread about them being involved in scandalous affairs with men or committing acts of adultery, and these lies reached tens of thousands of people¡­ What choice would they have but to hang themselves in shame? Even Li Yifu, who had been itching to mock Yang Yi, could only swallow nervously. This young man was truly vicious! Shangguan Wan¡¯er, though known for her sharp intellect, was equally stunned. She had expected Yang Yi¡¯s plan to be ruthless, but this went far beyond what she had imagined. This was annihilation through words¡ªusing the collective voices of the masses to obliterate Qianlong¡¯s name. As she observed the hall filled with silent, shocked faces, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer depth of Yang Yi¡¯s cruelty. The only person in the room who seemed unfazed was Wu Zhao herself. Although she had known the outline of Yang Yi¡¯s plan beforehand, she still felt a surge of admiration for his ingenuity. The hall remained eerily quiet. Yang Yi, seeing the shock on everyone¡¯s faces, smiled calmly. ¡°This plan only works because it¡¯s aimed at Qianlong,¡± he began, his tone measured and confident. ¡°After all, he is an emperor. Only a figure of his stature would attract the curiosity of millions. If certain secrets about him are revealed, even if they¡¯re false, people will be eager to spread them. The more these rumors spread, the more credible they become.¡± Pausing for effect, he added, ¡°And Qianlong¡¯s reputation as a womanizer is already well known. The defeat of the Qing Dynasty is a fact. The capture of Niohuru Nianqin is also a fact. And Qianlong¡¯s promiscuity¡ªwell, that¡¯s no secret either. So if we introduce a few additional rumors, people will believe them without question.¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°If nine out of ten things are true, people will believe the tenth¡ªeven if it¡¯s a lie.¡± ¡°That way, even if Qianlong doesn¡¯t kill Nianqin himself, after Niohuru is returned to the Qing, he¡¯ll be as good as dead. Either Qianlong will take matters into his own hands, or Nianqin will end his own life, unable to live with the disgrace.¡± Yang Yi looked around at the stunned crowd. ¡°The beauty of this plan,¡± he said softly, ¡°is that the accusation is¡­ groundless. Qianlong will never be able to defend himself.¡± The officials gazed at him, their faces pale, their hearts heavy. The terrifying brilliance of Yang Yi¡¯s strategy was undeniable. It wasn¡¯t just ruthless¡ªit was an artful assassination of character and reputation. This plan, crafted in the safety of Luoyang, would ruin Qianlong without Yang Yi ever having to step foot on the battlefield. Would Qianlong still be able to maintain his calm composure in front of his court, his ministers, and his people after such a scandal erupted? Once suspicion arises, the accusation is already established! The hall remained silent for what felt like an eternity. The weight of Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless strategy hung heavily in the air, suffocating the officials. Finally, Wei Yuanzhong broke the silence with a heavy sigh. ¡°Minister Yang, you are far-sighted. I¡­ I misunderstood you.¡± Yang Yi responded with a smile, his tone modest yet firm. ¡°Lord Wei, it¡¯s all for the sake of the Great Zhou.¡± Xu Jingzong, standing nearby, furrowed his brow as he contemplated the plan. ¡°So now, what is our next step?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curved into a sharp smile, revealing his white teeth. Without hesitation, he answered, ¡°Now, we should discuss how to take a big bite out of Qianlong and drain him dry.¡± S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A chill ran through the room. Even though the officials had anticipated the severity of Yang Yi¡¯s plan, hearing him speak so openly about it made them feel as if they were standing before a living Yama. This guy is truly terrifying. ¡­ Half a day later. In the Shu Yu Palace, Wu Mingyue stared at Yang Yi in confusion. ¡°What? Release the news that Niohuru Nianqin has been captured and brought to Luoyang?¡± Yang Yi nodded, his expression calm. ¡°The news is spreading too slowly. Even now, many people aren¡¯t aware that the enemy¡¯s main general, Niohuru Nianqin, has been captured and is here in Luoyang.¡± Wu Mingyue frowned, still puzzled. ¡°But why let the common people know that Niohuru Nianqin is in Luoyang?¡± Her perplexed expression amused Yang Yi. He fought the urge to poke her forehead playfully and explained with a sly grin, ¡°Didn¡¯t I promise Your Highness that I would double the sales of the ? Well, Niohuru Nianqin is our golden opportunity!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s confusion deepened. Yang Yi refrained from offering further details and said, ¡°Trust me, Your Highness. This is also the Empress¡¯s wish.¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, her confusion giving way to a slight pout. She snorted softly and crossed her arms. ¡­ The Next Day. Following Yang Yi¡¯s instructions, Wu Mingyue spared no expense in spreading the news that Niohuru Nianqin had been captured and was being held in Luoyang. It didn¡¯t take long for this information to catch fire. News of the Qing Dynasty¡¯s crushing defeat and the capture of Qianlong¡¯s most important general, Niohuru Nianqin, spread rapidly throughout the city. Many citizens swelled with pride, eager to discuss the victory and the fall of such a prominent figure. Naturally, this heightened attention led to an influx of detailed information about Niohuru Nianqin¡¯s noble status, his close ties to Qianlong, and his role as one of the emperor¡¯s most trusted generals. Yang Yi¡¯s hand in stirring the pot was subtle but effective. Yet, much of it was driven organically by the fervour of public opinion. When people focus on one thing, the consequences can be monumental. As one of the world¡¯s most prosperous cities, Luoyang, with its extensive waterways connected to the Luo River, attracted merchants from all corners of the empire and beyond. Now, the chatter about Niohuru Nianqin¡¯s capture filled the bustling markets and tea houses. Traders from foreign lands carried with them news of the Qing-Zhou War, the decisive defeat of the Qing forces, and the capture of Qianlong¡¯s trusted general, spreading the word to every corner of the empire. Chapter 55 Chapter 55As the expanded its circulation, it became a sensation, heightening interest both domestically and abroad. ¡­ Ten days later, in the Golden Throne Hall of the Qing Dynasty. The sound of a white jade cup shattering echoed through the vast chamber. ¡°Outrageous, simply outrageous!¡± Qianlong¡¯s furious roar reverberated off the gilded walls. Nearby, ministers like Fu Cha Fu Heng stood in silence, their heads bowed as the emperor seethed. ¡°Is Nianqin made of gold?¡± Qianlong¡¯s bloodshot eyes swept over them in anger. ¡°The Zhou Dynasty dares demand two hundred thousand bolts of silk, three hundred thousand taels of silver, and three thousand horses from me? Do they think I¡¯m a fool?¡± His chest heaved with laboured breaths, and his usually regal demeanor was crumbling under the pressure of his fury. His once sharp and dignified face now looked haggard and worn, drained by the stress of the ongoing war. After a long silence, Qianlong¡¯s voice lowered to a hoarse whisper. ¡°Tell the Zhou envoy that this price is impossible. I will not spend such a large sum of money to trade for a defeated general.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng and the other ministers nodded in unison. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ In the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s court. ¡°Biao¡¯er, take a look at this,¡± Zhu Yuanzhang said, sliding a copy of the across the table to his son, Zhu Biao. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Qianlong is currently negotiating with the Zhou Dynasty for Niohuru Nianqin¡¯s release, but I doubt Yang Yi will let go so easily. Tell me, what do you think the final outcome will be?¡± Zhu Biao fell into thought. His father patiently sipped his tea, giving him time to process the situation. After a moment, Zhu Biao replied hesitantly, ¡°Given Yang Yi¡¯s character, he won¡¯t let Niohuru Nianqin return to the Qing Dynasty alive. But he can¡¯t openly break his word either. I suspect that after receiving the ransom, Yang Yi will severely beat or poison Niohuru Nianqin. By the time he reaches the Qing Dynasty, he will likely die from his injuries.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang grinned, stroking his beard. ¡°As expected from my son. I thought the same. Yang Yi is not one to show mercy. We¡¯ll see soon enough how this unfolds.¡± ¡­ In the Tang Dynasty. ¡°Niohuru Nianqin will be returned unharmed,¡± Li Shimin confidently declared in his court. ¡°Although Yang Yi¡¯s methods are harsh, he wouldn¡¯t stoop to poisoning in international diplomacy. That would ruin the Zhou¡¯s reputation.¡± Changsun Wuji nodded. ¡°I agree with His Majesty.¡± Fang Xuanling, however, shook his head. ¡°I must disagree. Yang Yi¡¯s ruthlessness suggests that he won¡¯t allow Niohuru Nianqin to return unharmed. After all, a living enemy could strike back one day.¡± Du Ruhui interjected thoughtfully, ¡°Both arguments have merit, but would Yang Yi really use poison? It could undermine his reputation on the international stage.¡± The ministers debated fervently, and Li Shimin could only sigh in frustration. It bothered him that none of them could predict Yang Yi¡¯s mind, as if this young strategist had eluded even the most experienced minds of the Tang Dynasty. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Enough,¡± Li Shimin said, cutting off the debate. ¡°We¡¯ll move on from the Qing-Zhou negotiations. Have you heard about the ?¡± The ministers exchanged glances, and Changsun Wuji smiled wryly. ¡°Of course, Your Majesty. The has gained immense popularity. Even in Chang¡¯an, people are buying it at inflated prices. Some have even begun traveling to Luoyang just to buy it in bulk and resell it for a profit.¡± Fang Xuanling added, ¡°Even my own son showed it to me. It¡¯s quite fascinating, and the news it contains is of great interest.¡± Li Shimin rubbed his temples. ¡°Both Changle and Gaoyang are obsessed with it. I¡¯ve read it myself, and the content is indeed intriguing. Do you think our Tang Dynasty could create something similar, a ?¡± Changsun Wuji frowned thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s not just about the news, Your Majesty. They also publish novels like and . I¡¯m not sure we could replicate their success so easily.¡± Li Shimin sighed again. Imitating such innovation was not as simple as it seemed. ¡­ In the Qin Dynasty, at Zhangtai Palace. ¡°Where is my ?¡± Ying Yinman asked her maid, confused by her empty hands. The maid smiled wryly. ¡°His Majesty took it, Your Highness. He said he¡¯ll return it once he¡¯s done reading.¡± Ying Yinman pouted. Elsewhere in the palace, Ying Zheng held the newspaper in his hands, his sharp eyes scanning the pages. ¡°Something is strange about this whole Niohuru Nianqin situation,¡± he muttered, his voice cold. His ministers¡ªLi Si, Feng Quji, and Wang Wan¡ªexchanged uncertain glances. They had noticed that Ying Zheng had been paying increasing attention to Yang Yi of the Zhou Dynasty recently. Wang Wan spoke up first. ¡°Your Majesty, the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s victory over the Qing Dynasty is certainly something to boast about. Perhaps there¡¯s nothing more to it?¡± Ying Zheng¡¯s gaze narrowed. He shared that initial thought, but a nagging suspicion lingered. ¡°The Zhou are negotiating with Qianlong, yet the focus of their publicity is Niohuru Nianqin¡¯s close relationship with Qianlong. There¡¯s something off about it.¡± The ministers frowned, deep in thought. Li Si pondered aloud. ¡°Do you suspect the negotiations won¡¯t go smoothly, Your Majesty?¡± Ying Zheng remained silent for a moment before replying. ¡°If it were anyone else, I¡¯d say no. But with Yang Yi involved, I suspect it won¡¯t be as simple as it appears. He¡¯ll do something to Niohuru Nianqin.¡± Li Si¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You believe he¡¯ll release Niohuru Nianqin and then have him assassinated?¡± Ying Zheng shook his head. ¡°No, Yang Yi won¡¯t resort to something so obvious. He¡¯s too clever for that. But I can¡¯t figure out what he will do. How will he ensure that Niohuru Nianqin is no longer a threat while still extorting money from Qianlong?¡± The room fell silent again, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air. Even Ying Zheng, with all his wisdom, couldn¡¯t predict what Yang Yi might do next. Is there really such a perfect plan? Although the last question was phrased as an inquiry, it was filled with doubt. Feng Quji pondered and said, ¡°Your Majesty, perhaps Yang Yi hasn¡¯t thought that far ahead. Perhaps you are overestimating him.¡± Ying Zheng calmly replied, ¡°Perhaps. Chapter 56 Chapter 56: Qianlong¡¯s ¡®privacy¡¯ exposed!Great Zhou. ¡°Can¡¯t you accept twenty thousand bolts of silk, three hundred thousand ounces of silver, and three thousand horses?¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go back to our original terms: ten thousand bolts of silk, fifteen thousand ounces of silver, and one thousand horses. Tell Qianlong that if he still can¡¯t accept it, he can forget about getting his beloved general back.¡± Yang Yi smiled. Xu Jingzong and the others nearby shook their heads with wry smiles. This kid is too cunning. Originally, these were the terms they had agreed upon. But when Yang Yi informed the other party¡¯s envoy, he deliberately raised the price temporarily to push the other side¡¯s baseline higher. That way, when Qianlong couldn¡¯t accept the exaggerated demands, he would inevitably settle for the original offer of ten thousand bolts of silk, fifteen thousand ounces of silver, and one thousand horses. A bit manipulative, but undeniably effective. Wu Zhao raised her elegant eyebrows slightly as she leaned back in her chair, lost in thought. ¡°How is Niohuru Nianqing now?¡± Wu Zhao asked. Yang Yi smiled and replied, ¡°The old man¡¯s been locked up in prison all day, completely cut off from the outside world. The has already published two issues detailing his relationship with Qianlong, exposing his background¡­¡± He sighed, a hint of mockery in his tone. ¡°Recently, not only our Great Zhou, but even the surrounding states of Qin and Tang have learned of him. He¡¯s undoubtedly the most famous man in Qing.¡± ¡°Now even those poor scholars who make their living by writing scripts are jumping on the bandwagon, using his story.¡± ¡°As soon as Qianlong pays up, the will start exposing all the dirty deeds Nianqing did for him, along with their secrets of bullying men and women. By then, the whole world will know that both Nianqing and Qianlong are far from decent people.¡± Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others felt a chill run down their spines, quietly taking a deep breath. Thank goodness Yang Yi is a minister of Great Zhou. If he served in an enemy state, they would be the ones in disgrace right now. People live and die by their reputations, and none of them could imagine how Qianlong would bear the weight of such overwhelming public condemnation. The Empress sighed quietly. Fortunately, her keen eye had recognized Yang Yi¡¯s talent early on. Even Wei Yuanzhong and the others, seasoned ministers, felt a slight unease at Yang Yi¡¯s words. ¡­ Three days later, in Qing. ¡°Your Majesty, an urgent report from Zhou¡­¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng said carefully. ¡°Ten thousand bolts of silk, fifteen thousand ounces of silver, and a thousand horses. They claim this is their final offer. If we do not agree, the negotiations are over.¡± Qianlong, his sunken, bloodshot eyes staring at Fu Cha Fu Heng, gritted his teeth. ¡°Agree to their terms.¡± These past days had been torturous enough. Dealing with these Zhou people¡­ so utterly shameless. Fu Cha Fu Heng respectfully bowed. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Qianlong closed his eyes and let out a weary sigh. ¡°Have them release Nianqing as soon as possible. I¡¯ll send everything over right away.¡± He wasn¡¯t worried about Yang Yi and the others reneging on their word. If they did, Zhou¡¯s reputation would crumble, isolating them from the other nations. Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded again. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ Ten days later. ¡°Minister Yang, this is my emperor¡¯s promise. Please release General Nianqing as soon as possible,¡± a man dressed in a peacock feather hat and a stone-blue silk robe said gravely. Yang Yi glanced behind the Qing official. Large trunks were loaded onto carts, and Zhou officials were busy inspecting them, nodding to confirm. Indeed, there were ten thousand bolts of silk and fifteen thousand ounces of silver. The thousand horses had already been inspected and moved to the stables. Yang Yi, satisfied, couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how valuable Niohuru Nianqing had turned out to be. He smiled and said, ¡°Rest assured, I won¡¯t go back on my word. Nianqing will be sent to you shortly.¡± After dismissing the Qing envoy, Yang Yi turned back to report to the Empress. ¡­ Qianyuan Hall. ¡°Your Majesty, the ransom from Qing has arrived. I¡¯ve already sent Niohuru Nianqing to the Qing envoy. They will leave Great Zhou in half a day,¡± Yang Yi reported solemnly. Wu Zhao¡¯s slender, pale fingers gently tapped the table, a cold, noble smile playing on her beautiful face. ¡°Very good.¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to tomorrow¡¯s .¡± ¡°Are all preparations in place?¡± she asked. Yang Yi folded his hands in salute. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve already instructed the newspaper office. Everything is ready and waiting for the perfect moment.¡± ¡­ That night. The newspaper office was still brightly lit. ¡°Make way¡­¡± The courtyard where the papers were printed was bustling with activity. Workers hurried back and forth, ensuring the new edition of was printed without delay. Although they had prepared more than enough copies, Yang Yi felt it still wasn¡¯t sufficient, so the printing had been running around the clock for several days. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Wu Mingyue, with dark circles under her eyes, pouted her rosy lips in dissatisfaction. ¡°I¡¯ve done all the work, and now you¡¯re leaving?¡± Yang Yi smiled, his hands tucked into his sleeves. ¡°Running the newspaper office requires the intelligence and beauty of the princess. If I stay, wouldn¡¯t I just be overshadowing you?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s heart fluttered at his words, but she waved her hand dismissively, pretending not to care. ¡°Hmph. I¡¯m doing this for my sister and for Great Zhou.¡± ¡°But is it really alright? The news should report the truth, and all that dirt on Qianlong¡­ you made it up,¡± she said, frowning. Yang Yi shook his head. This princess isn¡¯t cunning enough. ¡°When it comes to politics, there¡¯s no such thing as right or wrong, Princess,¡± he replied with a knowing smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Qianlong is a lecherous man? It¡¯s said that whenever he travels incognito, he takes every beautiful woman he sees, whether married or not, into his bed.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard he has more children among the common people than in the palace. Exposing the true nature of such a man is also standing up for the many women he¡¯s wronged.¡± ¡°Fighting for the people¡¯s interests and shedding light on the dark for the weak¡ªthat¡¯s the mission of , isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°You claim I¡¯m fabricating things, but if he were an honorable man, would any of my lies stick?¡± Wu Mingyue felt a bit dizzy from his words. She pursed her lips, a flicker of disgust flashing in her eyes. ¡°I suppose so,¡± she muttered. ¡°People who defile other people¡¯s wives and daughters deserve to die!¡± Then, with a quick glance at Yang Yi, she smirked. ¡°But you, a pervert who likes to stare at women¡¯s breasts, what right do you have to call others perverts?¡± Yang Yi replied, righteously, ¡°Princess, you misunderstand me. I¡¯m merely trying to fulfill my parents¡¯ expectations.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, confused. ¡°What does your perversion have to do with your parents¡¯ expectations?¡± Yang Yi adopted a serious tone. ¡°My parents always hoped I would become an outstanding person. And obviously, I¡¯ve achieved four-fifths of that.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve become very ¡®out-standing¡¯ (perverted).¡± ¡°¡­¡± Chapter 57 Chapter 57 She glared at Yang Yi fiercely, seething with anger. ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t keep staring at my chest.¡± Yang Yi sighed. ¡°Fine, next time I¡¯ll look at your legs.¡± Wu Mingyue blinked in confusion. ¡°???¡± ¡­ The next day. A paperboy in a green military uniform carried a thick stack of as he sold newspapers in the streets and alleys. ¡°Extra, extra! Shocking secrets of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty revealed!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Shocking! The Qing Emperor did this to his sister-in-law!¡± ¡°Shameless! The top ten dirty secrets of Qianlong!¡± The young newsboy¡¯s voice rang out, carrying a series of sensational headlines that immediately captivated the attention of countless passersby. In any era, the Supreme Emperor represented mystery, nobility, and power. Anything ordinary became extraordinary when associated with him. Many people had never seen the Emperor in their lives, and his privacy was a deadly attraction for the common folk. ¡°Hey, kid, give me a copy!¡± ¡°I want one too, give me two!¡± ¡°Give me ten copies!¡± The surrounding commoners immediately swarmed around, snatching up all the newspapers. Those who didn¡¯t manage to grab one looked on with envy. This was the emperor¡¯s private life! Those who did get a copy stood aside, eagerly reading it and clucking their tongues in amazement, making those around them feel as if their hearts were being scratched by a cat. Scenes like this unfolded throughout Luoyang. In just half a day, the five hundred thousand copies of the newspaper that Wu Mingyue had meticulously prepared sold out completely. Of course, it wasn¡¯t just the ordinary people of Luoyang who bought them. Many opportunistic merchants also took notice. These merchants had a keen sense for profitable ventures, and as soon as they sensed that this edition of would sell like hotcakes, they rushed to buy it in bulk. After all, it was the Emperor¡¯s private property! They purchased tens of thousands of copies at a time. If Wu Mingyue hadn¡¯t prepared millions of copies, they likely wouldn¡¯t have had enough to meet demand. In just three days, this edition of flew off the shelves nationwide. Merchants even took copies to other countries, selling them at inflated prices. Five days later, all of Luoyang knew about Qianlong, who had a penchant for seducing other men¡¯s wives, committing adultery with his sister-in-law, cuckolding his ministers, and engaging in all kinds of heinous acts. The streets and alleyways buzzed with discussions about Qianlong. Whether eating or drinking, the first thing people said when they met was, ¡°Have you heard about Qianlong?¡± ¡°What? You haven¡¯t heard of Qianlong? Then you¡¯re really out of touch!¡± ¡­ In the Qing Dynasty. In the Golden Throne Hall, Fu Cha Fu Heng spoke respectfully, ¡°Your Majesty¡­ General Niohuru Nianqing has returned.¡± Qianlong raised his eyebrows, a slight smile creeping onto his somewhat gaunt face. ¡°Good, it¡¯s good that he¡¯s back. Let him come to see me.¡± After so many days of bad news, he finally had something positive to look forward to. Even if it had cost him dearly to get Niohuru Nianqing back, in his view, a trusted and beloved general was worth more than any material possession. Besides, it was like paying a thousand pieces of gold for a horse¡¯s bones! This would send a message to his officials that as long as they remained loyal, he would spare no expense to ransom them if captured. Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve already informed General Niohuru Nianqing. He should be on his way to the palace by now.¡± Just as he finished speaking, hurried, chaotic footsteps echoed through the hall. It was clear that whoever was approaching was extremely agitated. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Ertai burst in, his usually composed demeanor shattered. Qianlong was stunned, a bad premonition rising in his heart. The last time Ertai had been this flustered was when his father had died. In all these years, he had rarely seen Ertai so panicked. Fu Cha Fu Heng, standing beside him, narrowed his eyes, tension filling the air. Recent troubling issues had already plagued the Qing Dynasty. Could anything else have gone wrong? Ertai rushed up to Qianlong, panting, his deeply lined face marred by anxiety. ¡°Your Majesty, something serious has happened.¡± Qianlong¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Ertai, what is it?¡± Ertai¡¯s grey eyebrows raised slightly, his clouded eyes looking at Qianlong with a complex expression. He shakily handed a newspaper from his chest to Qianlong. ¡°Your Majesty, please take a look. This is the latest edition of from the Zhou Dynasty.¡± ¡°The ?¡± Both Qianlong and Fu Cha Fu Heng were taken aback. They had heard of the popular newspaper produced by the people of Zhou. Even some concubines in the harem collected , so they were not entirely unfamiliar with it. However, until now, they hadn¡¯t paid much attention to it. Seeing Ertai¡¯s worried expression, both Qianlong and Fu Cha Fu Heng were puzzled. How could a single issue of the cause such alarm? Frowning slightly, Qianlong picked up the newspaper. With a single glance, his expression changed dramatically. He shouted angrily, ¡°Nonsense! This is utter nonsense!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng, who had stolen a glance, widened his eyes in shock, gasping. The entire page was filled with articles about Qianlong. The largest headline screamed, ¡°Exclusive Revelations from Qianlong¡¯s Favourite General Niohuru Nianqing: The Untold Story of the Emperor and His Sister-in-Law.¡± Other sensational headlines included ¡°Prince Rui¡¯s Heartbreak: Qianlong Spends the Night with the Princess¡± and ¡°The Secret Story of Qianlong and the Crown Princess,¡± among many others. Fu Cha Fu Heng felt as if he might vomit blood after reading it. This was pure slander. Although Qianlong had many wives, he never pursued affairs with the women close to him. The notion that he had been unfaithful to his sister-in-law or his daughter-in-law was outrageous. Qianlong¡¯s anger boiled over as he shouted, ¡°Nonsense! When have I ever done such a thing?¡± His eyes were wide open, and bloodshot, his entire face flushed, and the veins on his forehead bulged. His hands gripped the newspaper as if he intended to tear it apart. ¡°Nonsense! I barely saw Prince Rui¡¯s wife a few times! I am being wronged! This is full of lies!¡± His fury echoed through the hall. Ertai¡¯s expression turned grave. ¡°Your Majesty, it is rumored that this edition of the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s has already sold over a million copies. In the past month, not counting the copies stored by merchants, at least hundreds of thousands of people have read it. If this continues to spread and everyone knows about it, I¡¯m afraid¡­ the rumors will become reality.¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened, and he clutched his chest as his vision darkened. He had never expected the of the Zhou Dynasty to achieve such sales. This felt like a bucket of dirt being poured over him. His breathing quickened. ¡°Rumors stop with the sages. I don¡¯t believe the world will believe it after all the manipulation by .¡± Ertai replied bitterly, ¡°But Niohuru Nianqing has indeed been captured by the Zhou Dynasty. claims he revealed your secrets out of fear of death. Previous editions of the newspaper detailed the relationship between you and Niohuru Nianqing. Now, with this sudden revelation, even the wisest will be half-believing, let alone the commoners who take every rumor to heart¡­¡± Chapter 58 Chapter 58 Qianlong¡¯s vision went black, his head buzzing as if struck by a massive hammer. He staggered back, nearly fainting. It hit him then: if the hadn¡¯t used Nianqing¡¯s capture as proof, no one would have believed the rumours. But now, everyone knew his beloved general Nianqing had been taken by the Zhou Dynasty. Most of the gullible commoners would surely believe the lies. ¡°I¡¯ve fallen into a trap!¡± Qianlong clutched his chest, barely containing his rage. ¡°This must be a plot by the Zhou people.¡± Ertai and Fu Cha Fu Heng exchanged bitter smiles. It was obvious. The Zhou Dynasty had crafted a cunning trap, using the captured general to lend credibility to their malicious rumours. And now, with public opinion swayed the damage was immense. The Emperor had always been revered and held above the rest of the world. But the common people thrived on scandal. The Zhou had expertly exploited human nature¡¯s worst tendencies, creating a poisonously effective scheme. As the weight of this realization settled, a eunuch rushed into the hall. ¡°Your Majesty, Lord Nianqing has arrived.¡± Qianlong¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Get him out of here! I don¡¯t want to see him!¡± His voice echoed with fury. Even Qianlong himself didn¡¯t know what Nianqing had revealed during his captivity. And if he didn¡¯t know, how could the common people? Nianqing had become a liability. ¡­ The next day, the had taken the Qing capital by storm. Throughout the city, whispers about the Emperor¡¯s alleged misdeeds spread like wildfire. Even countless Qing citizens began to discuss whether their Emperor had really done these things. Qianlong¡¯s reputation, already marked by scandal, gave credence to the newspaper¡¯s claims. ¡­ Inside his mansion, Niohuru Nianqing stood frozen, glaring at the crumpled in his trembling hand. His eyes burned with anger. ¡°Slander! This is slander!¡± he roared. Now, it was clear why the Emperor hadn¡¯t seen him. Anyone would be furious after reading such vicious lies. ¡°I have to see His Majesty!¡± Nianqing muttered, storming toward the door. As he stepped into the courtyard, the servants greeted him with awkward glances, their gazes heavy with suspicion. Nianqing¡¯s frustration deepened. Even if he jumped into the Yellow River, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to clear his name. This was unbearable. Just as he reached the gates, a eunuch approached. Nianqing immediately recognized Hai Gonggong, one of Qianlong¡¯s most trusted attendants. ¡°Hai Gonggong, has His Majesty sent you to summon me to the palace?¡± Nianqing asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice. But the cold expression on Hai Gonggong¡¯s face dashed that hope. His pale, almost deathly, complexion only added to the chill in his voice. ¡°General Nianqing, I am not here to summon you. I¡¯ve come to deliver a message from the Emperor.¡± ¡°As of today, Niohuru Nianqing no longer holds any official position. You are also forbidden from entering the palace.¡± The words struck like a hammer. Nianqing¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Hai Gonggong, I¡¯m innocent! You must tell the Emperor the truth. The is full of lies. I never betrayed His Majesty. I never spoke a word against him!¡± The eunuch¡¯s sinister smile widened. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Does it matter anymore, General Nianqing? You were captured and taken to Luoyang. Whether you spoke or not, the damage is done.¡± Nianqing¡¯s head spun. His mouth fell open, his limbs trembling uncontrollably. He had done nothing wrong, yet here he was, cast aside like a criminal. ¡­ Later that same day, Niohuru Nianqing hanged himself in his mansion. The news reached Qianlong¡¯s ears quickly. In the grand hall, Qianlong sat stone-faced, his anger simmering just below the surface. ¡°This useless fool¡­ why didn¡¯t he die on the battlefield?¡± he spat bitterly. Fu Cha Fu Heng and the other ministers remained silent. The Emperor¡¯s fury was understandable. If Nianqing hadn¡¯t failed and been captured, the enemy wouldn¡¯t have been able to use him in this vile plot. The weight of the scandal had grown unbearable. Though no one dared mention it to the Emperor¡¯s face, suspicion lingered in the court and the streets. Even the Empress Dowager had summoned Qianlong to question him. It was an insult that only deepened his frustration. ¡­ When the news of Niohuru Nianqing¡¯s suicide reached the Great Zhou, the court was in an uproar. Wei Yuanzhong, Zhang Jianzhi, Xu Jingzong, and the other ministers looked at Yang Yi in shock. Incredible! Every step had gone exactly as Yang Yi had predicted. He had foreseen Nianqing¡¯s death, and now it had come to pass. It was as if Yang Yi could see the future. His calculations were terrifyingly accurate. Even Wu Zhao couldn¡¯t help but praise him. ¡°What a brilliant plan. Killing three birds with one stone: draining Qianlong¡¯s wealth, killing with a borrowed knife, and destroying his reputation.¡± Her eyes gleamed with admiration. ¡°Yang Qing, you are a top strategist. The Great Zhou has gained immensely thanks to your talents.¡± The ministers nodded in agreement. They had gained everything¡ªwealth, the death of Niohuru Nianqing, and a severe blow to Qianlong¡¯s reputation. It was ruthless and brilliant. They turned their eyes to Yang Yi, filled with awe. This young man, barely twenty years old, had embarrassed the great Qianlong. Truly, he was an unparalleled national talent. Yang Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Your Majesty, Nianqing¡¯s death benefits us even more.¡± The ministers blinked in confusion, and Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°With Nianqing¡¯s death, the rumours will only grow stronger. People will wonder¡ªdid he commit suicide out of guilt? Or was he forced into it?¡± ¡°If it was guilt, what crime did he commit? If he was forced, who gave the order?¡± ¡°Could it be that he exposed Qianlong¡¯s scandals and was killed by a furious Qianlong?¡± The hall fell silent. The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. Even Wu Zhao looked stunned. ¡°Nianqing¡¯s death will only fuel the rumours, making it seem even more credible. We can easily direct public suspicion toward Qianlong, making his guilt seem obvious. What the common people think next is not our concern.¡± A cold shiver ran down the spines of everyone in the hall. Even in death, Nianqing was being used to further the plot. Yang Yi had squeezed every last drop of value from the situation. When the commoners learn of Niohuru Nianqing¡¯s death, they will undoubtedly believe it was Qianlong¡¯s doing. If he had nothing to hide, why kill Niohuru Nianqing? Chapter 59 Chapter 59 The common people would certainly ask this question! By then, the rumors would no longer be just rumors; they would be confirmed as truth. Wei Yuanzhong swallowed hard. This young man, Yang Yi, was truly ruthless. Xu Jingzong, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others also felt chills run down their spines. They were immensely relieved. Thank God this guy was on their side. Wu Zhao¡¯s usually calm demeanor wavered. Her lips parted slightly, and she looked at Yang Yi with a touch of confusion. Even she couldn¡¯t help but feel shaken. His methods were truly cold-blooded, squeezing the last bit of value out of even the dead. After a pause, she slowly said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave this matter to you.¡± ¡­ The next day, the released a special edition, as expected. Niohuru Nianqing¡¯s death reignited the rumors about Qianlong, which had lost some momentum. Everyone was now asking the same question: If the rumors were false, why would Niohuru Nianqing die? Obviously, Qianlong felt guilty! So the rumors weren¡¯t just rumors¡ªthey were facts! For a time, the gossiping commoners went wild. The Emperor¡¯s private affairs had been exposed in public for the first time in history. The fact that Qianlong had supposedly killed Niohuru Nianqing in a rage excited them even more. A supreme Emperor, desperate and humiliated, had shown his ugliest side. Even the citizens of the Qing Dynasty became convinced. Their Emperor had indeed committed those shameful acts. ¡­ Qing Dynasty Golden Throne Hall ¡°Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!¡± Qianlong overturned the table, eyes blazing with anger. ¡°These Zhou people are spreading nonsense! Niohuru Nianqing clearly committed suicide! What does that have to do with me? That man was nothing but a liability!¡± He was almost maddened with rage. Initially, Qianlong had planned to distance himself from Nianqing and let the rumors die out. But Niohuru Nianqing¡¯s suicide had completely reversed his plan. The Zhou had used Nianqing¡¯s death to drag Qianlong¡¯s name into the dirt again. Now, those rumours were pinned firmly on him. Qianlong was so furious he could spit blood. He clutched his chest, his face pale and twisted with frustration. The past few days had been torture. He turned sharply toward Fu Cha Fu Heng. ¡°Fu Heng, have you found out who¡¯s behind this plot?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng swallowed hard. ¡°We have some clues. It seems to be connected to Yang Yi.¡± ¡°Yang Yi!¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes immediately widened. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He roared in anger, ¡°If I don¡¯t kill him, I swear that I am not human!¡± In his fit of rage, Qianlong spat out a mouthful of blood. His vision blurred, and before anyone could react, he collapsed. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± The attendants rushed forward in panic. ¡­ Ming Dynasty Fengtian Temple Zhu Yuanzhang sighed heavily. ¡°We underestimated him,¡± he murmured. Zhu Biao, standing by his side, stared at the newspaper. The headline blared: His fists clenched. ¡°What? Niohuru Nianqing died in such a manner? Yang Yi¡¯s strategy¡­ It¡¯s truly brilliant. This man¡¯s tactics are terrifying.¡± His eyes remained glued to the paper, his body trembling as a chill ran down his spine. Both he and his father had been closely watching Yang Yi, trying to predict his next move. They had speculated that he might resort to poisoning Nianqing. But now it was clear¡ªthey had been completely wrong. This had used something far more intricate, killing without leaving a trace. Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s eyes were shadowed with both shock and admiration. ¡°This man is a truly unique strategist. His plan was perfect. From Nianqing¡¯s capture to his suicide, everything unfolded exactly as Yang Yi intended. Now, Qianlong can never clear his name.¡± ¡°We thought he would use poison. Now, it¡¯s clear our thinking was too naive. This Minister Yang is a real master strategist.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, his voice deep. ¡°What a brilliant use of a borrowed knife to kill! Using rumours to create a rift between Qianlong and Niohuru Nianqing, ultimately leading to Nianqing¡¯s death.¡± He sighed. ¡°Such a genius, and yet he¡¯s not one of our Ming people. What a pity.¡± He shook his head and added, ¡°Even together, we father and son are no match for him.¡± Zhu Biao was stunned. ¡°Father¡­¡± He had never expected his proud father to hold anyone in such high regard. ¡­ Tang Dynasty Imperial Palace Li Shimin¡¯s expression was a mix of shock and admiration. ¡°We were wrong. We never expected Yang Yi to use such an unimaginable strategy, killing Niohuru Nianqing, extorting a fortune from Qianlong, and forever tainting his reputation with these rumours.¡± Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and the other ministers were equally astounded, their minds racing. They had always prided themselves on being the sharpest strategists of the Tang Dynasty, the famed twenty-four ministers of the Lingyan Pavilion. Yet, none of them had been able to predict Yang Yi¡¯s approach. Fang Xuanling took a deep breath. ¡°He manipulated the situation without even leaving Luoyang, forcing Nianqing to his death and tarnishing Qianlong¡¯s name in the process. Could this young man truly be a born sage? He¡¯s only twenty years old.¡± Du Ruhui smiled bitterly. ¡°It¡¯s terrifying. Nianqing¡¯s every move was carefully woven into Yang Yi¡¯s plan. His insight into human nature and his ability to manipulate it is simply unheard of. It¡¯s something I can¡¯t even begin to match.¡± Changsun Wuji let out a long sigh. ¡°He¡¯s already this formidable at just twenty years old¡­ We are old and outdated.¡± The group fell silent, each of them feeling a deep sense of unease. Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless strategy had shaken them to the core. ¡­ Qin Dynasty Zhangtai Temple Ying Zheng muttered to himself, ¡°There really was a perfect solution.¡± Before Niohuru Nianqing was sent back to the Qing Dynasty, he carefully weighed all the possible outcomes. In his mind, there was no way to both extort money from Qianlong and eliminate the threat of Nianqing. Yet in less than a month, Yang Yi had flipped the entire situation on its head. Qianlong had lost a fortune, Nianqing was dead, and the rumors had smeared Qianlong¡¯s name beyond repair. Every step had been calculated to perfection. This was the brilliance of the Great Zhou¡¯s Poison Expert. Ying Zheng sighed. ¡°He played with Qianlong and every onlooker from a distance. To strategize from inside the tent and win a thousand miles away¡­ I am no match for him.¡± His ministers, Li Si, Wang Wan, and Feng Quji, were just as shaken. It was the first time they had seen their proud Emperor admit someone else¡¯s superiority. Ying Zheng continued, ¡°From now on, gather every bit of information you can about him. He will be our most difficult enemy in the future.¡± Li Si and the others felt the same cold dread. Yang Yi¡¯s strategies were ruthless beyond belief. Chapter 60 Chapter 60: At the Shu Yu Palace. ¡°The newspaper¡¯s sales have tripled in the last two issues.¡± Wu Mingyue tapped her long, pale fingers on the table, her dark eyes locked onto Yang Yi. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to have such skills.¡± Earlier, Yang Yi had teased her, boasting he had a way to increase sales of the He didn¡¯t share his plan, which frustrated her enough that she angrily took to her writing. Now, not only had their sales skyrocketed, but they¡¯d also managed to deceive their enemies in the process. she thought to herself. Yang Yi smiled warmly. ¡°Would I ever deceive the princess?¡± Wu Mingyue raised an eyebrow and rolled her eyes. ¡°I thought you only knew how to make up stories to fool people.¡± Yang Yi chuckled and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Speaking of stories, I have one. Would the princess care to hear it?¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, intrigued. ¡°Go ahead, let¡¯s hear it.¡± Yang Yi began with a smile, ¡°It is said that there is a Dragon King who controls the clouds and the rain, ruling his domain with great acclaim. ¡°One day, the Dragon King decided to marry off his daughter. He demanded that his son-in-law weigh exactly one hundred kilograms, not a bit more or less. ¡°So a turtle decided to give it a try, and on the way, he met a shrimp. ¡°The shrimp said, ¡®If you add me, we¡¯ll weigh exactly one hundred kilograms. I¡¯ll hide in your ear, and no one will notice me.¡¯ ¡°The turtle was delighted and let the shrimp hide in his ear. When they reached the Dragon King and weighed themselves, they did weigh one hundred kilograms. ¡°The Dragon King chose the turtle as his son-in-law. In his excitement, the turtle shook the shrimp out of his ear. Furious, the Dragon King asked, ¡®What were you doing in his ear?¡¯¡± Yang Yi stopped at this point. Wu Mingyue, completely absorbed, couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°And then? What happened next? Continue the story!¡± Yang Yi smiled mischievously. ¡°The shrimp said, ¡®I was in his ear¡­ telling this little turtle a story.¡¯¡± Wu Mingyue was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized what had happened. He was deliberately teasing her. She was furious and lunged at him with a roar. ¡°You idiot, you¡¯re messing with me!¡± Yang Yi smiled and dodged to the side. Thanks to the system¡¯s enhancement of his five senses, his agility was far superior to Wu Mingyue¡¯s. With a slight sidestep, he easily avoided her attack, leaving her lunging into empty air. The princess was livid. This rascal had tricked her several times, and it was simply too much. If she didn¡¯t teach him a lesson today, she wouldn¡¯t be Wu Mingyue. Wu Mingyue lunged again, but this time Yang Yi didn¡¯t dodge. She crashed into his chest, her ample breasts pressing against him with surprising force, causing her to wince in pain. Wu Mingyue¡¯s expression changed, nearly fainting from the sharp pain. Compared to Wu Mingyue¡¯s suffering, Yang Yi secretly felt pleased. Quickly pulling away, Wu Mingyue¡¯s face flushed deep red. She clutched her chest and glared at Yang Yi, her eyes gleaming like black pearls. ¡°Scoundrel!¡± Yang Yi raised his hands in mock innocence. ¡°What is Her Highness doing? It was clearly the princess who jumped on me. If anyone here is a scoundrel, it¡¯s not me.¡± Wu Mingyue gritted her teeth. How infuriating! This guy had taken advantage of her, and now he acted as though he was the victim. Yang Yi smiled casually. ¡°I suddenly remembered I need to report something to Her Majesty. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± Without waiting for her reply, he quickly made his exit. Wu Mingyue stomped her foot in frustration, muttering, ¡°Pervert!¡± A moment later, she rubbed her chest, feeling the pain fade. She pulled out the unfinished novel from her desk, bit the tip of her pen, and resumed writing with renewed determination. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Wu Mingyue closed the book in her hand and fell back onto the couch, sighing deeply. ¡°Idiot,¡± she muttered under her breath, a playful smile spreading across her face. Her eyes crinkled into little crescents as she stretched, her long legs bouncing in excitement. The light green dress she wore slipped off slightly, revealing her delicate, snow-white legs. Each toe, like a pink pearl, gleamed with a soft, lustrous sheen. ¡­ Two days later¡­ The weather had grown colder. Inside Qianyuan Hall, a bronze furnace in the shape of a beast slowly burned with charcoal, keeping the hall warm. The faint scent of sandalwood filled the air as the Empress, Wu Zhao, sat in thought. ¡°According to Heichi Changzhi¡¯s report, Yucheng has stabilized and is now fully integrated into our Great Zhou,¡± she said, her voice calm and confident. ¡°However, it appears Qianlong is still mobilizing his forces. I have heard that he has recalled the famed general, Zhangjia Agui, commander of the Manchu Red Banner, to lead their troops against us once more. I plan to recall Heichi Changzhi. Since Qianlong insists on continuing the war, our Great Zhou will see it through to the end.¡± The ministers nodded in agreement. The current strength of Great Zhou had grown significantly. They were no longer as fearful of the Qing Dynasty as they once were. Moreover, the recent delivery of supplies from Qing had bolstered their coffers. Just as the Empress finished speaking, Yang Yi stepped forward. ¡°Your Majesty, this humble servant has a suggestion.¡± All eyes turned to him, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism in the room. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, waiting a moment before giving him permission to speak. ¡°Minister Yang, proceed.¡± Yang Yi spoke solemnly. ¡°Though we do not fear the Qing Dynasty, we must acknowledge that the enemy¡¯s foundation is still deep. I have a strategy that could break their morale.¡± Wu Zhao leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. ¡°What strategy?¡± Yang Yi continued, ¡°Qianlong¡¯s name still holds great weight in the . Even now, discussions about him persist in the public sphere. While tarnishing his reputation may cause him some headaches, it won¡¯t have any lasting impact. Instead, I suggest we ride on his popularity.¡± The Empress narrowed her eyes. ¡°Ride on his popularity?¡± The room fell into a brief silence as everyone exchanged confused glances. Wei Yuanzhong, one of the senior ministers, clasped his hands together and asked, ¡°Minister Yang, might you explain what you mean by ¡®riding on his popularity¡¯?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Minister Wei, you are too modest. The idea is simple. While the world¡¯s attention is still focused on Qianlong, we create another story¡ªone that overshadows the previous narratives.¡± Chapter 61 Chapter 61 Xu Jingzong, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others were stunned, deep in thought. Wu Zhao pondered aloud, ¡°Since you say so, you must already have an idea?¡± Yang Yi smiled slightly. ¡°This humble servant once heard a rumor circulating among the people of the Qing Dynasty¡ªQianlong is not the son of the Qing Emperor.¡± He paused for dramatic effect, then continued, ¡°So I combined various popular rumors and wrote a novel titled . I plan to publish it in the . ¡°Given the current interest in Qianlong, this novel will undoubtedly spark new debates and shift the focus of the people¡ªfrom his morality to his lineage¡­¡± Silence filled the hall. The room was eerily quiet. Wei Yuanzhong, Xu Jingzong, and the others exchanged astonished looks. Finally, they understood what Yang Yi meant by ¡°riding on popularity.¡± This was clearly an attempt to further damage Qianlong¡¯s reputation while he was still the focus of everyone¡¯s attention. The crowd¡¯s gaze toward Yang Yi gradually shifted. Under normal circumstances, writing a novel that questioned an emperor¡¯s lineage wouldn¡¯t cause much of a stir. But with the current nationwide discussions about Qianlong, raising doubts about his heritage could be extremely effective. Though it might not affect Qianlong¡¯s position, it would certainly disgust him and could even cause unrest among the people of the Qing Dynasty. Everyone in the room began to sweat a little. Wu Zhao remained expressionless, but her heart was in turmoil. Compared to Yang Yi, Wu Zhao suddenly felt like a living Bodhisattva. Xu Jingzong cleared his throat. ¡°Minister Yang, this plan is indeed clever, but it is still based on speculation. For someone of your status to get involved personally, wouldn¡¯t it be beneath the dignity of our Great Zhou?¡± Everyone instinctively nodded in agreement. Though the plan sounded malicious, it seemed somewhat undignified for a Minister of the State to write a novel slandering an enemy emperor. Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°Minister Xu, you are right. But of course, I will use a pseudonym.¡± ¡°Have any of you heard of¡­ Runtu?¡± Xu Jingzong was taken aback, then pondered. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the author of ?¡± Yang Yi nodded solemnly. ¡°Indeed, that is my pen name.¡± He continued, ¡°If is published under that name to slander Qianlong, then it would be Runtu¡¯s work, not Yang Yi¡¯s. What does it have to do with me?¡± Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming. ¡°I have heard that is a famous work, and many people buy the just to read it. I didn¡¯t expect it to be written by Minister Yang. You are truly a genius, Minister Yang. ¡°Besides, publishing under this well-known pseudonym will surely attract a large number of readers. Coupled with the mystery of Qianlong¡¯s lineage, it will undoubtedly become a bestseller in various nations. The more popular it becomes, the more uncomfortable Qianlong will be.¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes lit up. They hadn¡¯t considered this advantage before. Their admiration for Yang Yi grew. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Minister Xu is absolutely right. Some things become more obscure the more they are discussed. As long as it attracts enough attention, white can become black, and black can become white.¡± He leaned forward slightly, his voice low but full of confidence. ¡°By then, Qianlong will be completely confused. And if even the emperor¡¯s lineage is in question, how can the soldiers of the Qing Dynasty have the morale to fight against our Great Zhou with all their might?¡± Everyone gasped in shock. Yang Yi¡¯s plan might not have been the most brilliant, but it was unbelievably devious. Not to mention the enemy¡ªjust hearing it made the ministers break out in a cold sweat. ¡­ The next day. Yang Yi exchanged a copy of from the system store and began to extensively modify its background. After all, in this world, there was no such thing as overthrowing the Qing and restoring the Ming. He changed the setting without altering the story. In Jin Yong¡¯s original , Qianlong is portrayed as the brother of Chen Jialuo, the leader of the anti-Qing Red Flower Society. Historically, the Chen family of Haining, Zhejiang, did exist, and there was much speculation about Qianlong¡¯s parentage¡ªsome from unofficial histories, others from novelists. But none of this mattered. As long as it seemed plausible, that was enough. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi didn¡¯t expect his novel to have any real political effect, but it would certainly disgust people. For him, it was simply an easy and convenient task. ¡­ At Shu Yu Palace. Wu Mingyue looked at Yang Yi with a strange expression, holding the manuscript of he had just given her. Yang Yi felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze. He smiled slightly. ¡°Why is Your Highness looking at me like that?¡± Wu Mingyue wrinkled her nose and circled around him, muttering, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were so devious. Ruining Qianlong¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t enough, you even wrote a novel to slander him.¡± ¡°You really are¡ª¡± She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly freezing. Wu Mingyue¡¯s expression turned uncertain. At the thought of such a horrible scenario, Wu Mingyue trembled. Seeing her strange expression, Yang Yi became curious. ¡°Is Your Highness feeling unwell?¡± Wu Mingyue snapped out of her thoughts and quickly replied, ¡°Ah¡­ I¡¯m fine.¡± She swiftly changed the subject. ¡°By the way, how did you come up with the idea to write a novel to slander Qianlong?¡± Though Yang Yi found her behaviour odd, he didn¡¯t think too much of it. He smiled and said, ¡°There have always been rumours about Qianlong¡¯s mysterious lineage. I thought it would be a waste not to take advantage of the public¡¯s interest. At the very least, it should make Qianlong lose some sleep and appetite.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Wu Mingyue breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly, Yang Yi leaned closer, his eyes locking onto hers. His handsome face was close, and his dark eyes seemed to pierce through her thoughts. ¡°Does Your Highness have something to hide from me?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s face stiffened, a hint of panic flashing in her bright eyes. She quickly waved her hand. ¡°Haha, how could that be?¡± She scoffed. ¡°I have no interest in you at all! What could I possibly be hiding?¡± ¡°Humph, don¡¯t flatter yourself.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Really?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly pushed him toward the door. ¡°Alright, enough. I need to rest now.¡± ¡°I will handle everything you mentioned,¡± she added hastily. Yang Yi smiled silently, still watching her with an amused expression. Wu Mingyue felt a chill run down her spine. She quickly pushed him out of the room, then closed the door and leaned against it. After a while, as Yang Yi¡¯s footsteps faded away, Wu Mingyue finally breathed a sigh of relief. She patted her full, pale chest, a ripple of movement following. Chapter 62 Chapter 62: Hysterical Qianlong! Yang Yi¡¯s Plot Backfires? A few days later. Qing Dynasty, Golden Throne Hall. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Agui¡­¡± Qianlong, wrapped in a golden dragon-patterned brocade, appeared tired, his face flushed unnaturally. He stared coldly at Zhangjia Agui, his trusted general. ¡°I am providing you with 300,000 troops¡­¡± Qianlong¡¯s voice carried the weight of his frustration. ¡°Although the Zhou Dynasty defeated our Great Qing in a single battle, our Qing Iron Cavalry is still unmatched in the world. The mere Zhou Dynasty is no match for our Great Qing.¡± Zhangjia Agui bowed deeply, replying with utmost solemnity, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Qianlong had been deeply offended by the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s slander campaign, and Agui knew that if he could lead the army to a decisive victory, it would not only vent the emperor¡¯s anger but also secure him great favour. Satisfied, Qianlong nodded slightly. He felt an urgent need to hit back at the Zhou Dynasty, especially Yang Yi. Otherwise, his fury would consume him. At that moment¡­ ¡°Your Majesty, something terrible has happened,¡± Eunuch Hai rushed in, pale-faced, holding a newspaper. Qianlong frowned at the sight of it, his sense of foreboding growing stronger. ¡°What is it?¡± Eunuch Hai, clearly afraid to speak out of turn, presented the newspaper. ¡°Your Majesty, please have a look.¡± Grabbing the paper, Qianlong scanned the pages. His expression relaxed at first¡ªit seemed to be just a serialized novel. ¡°You bring me this over a mere story?¡± Qianlong glared at Eunuch Hai. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ please keep reading,¡± Eunuch Hai urged, his voice trembling. Qianlong hesitated, glancing at the eunuch. However, since Eunuch Hai was his trusted eunuch, he wouldn¡¯t bring the newspaper for no reason. Though confused, he continued reading the novel, The issues compiled before him weren¡¯t just one or two; there were several. Zhangjia Agui, standing to the side, looked on curiously but remained silent. Moments later, Qianlong¡¯s calm shattered. ¡°Outrageous! OUTRAGEOUS!¡± His roar echoed through the grand hall, startling Zhangjia Agui from his drowsy stance. Agui¡¯s head shot up, and he saw that Qianlong, who had been so composed moments before, was now red with rage. His eyes were bloodshot, and the veins on his forehead throbbed as he tore the newspapers to shreds. ¡°These vile scoundrels dare slander me!¡± Qianlong seethed. ¡°Claiming I am not the late emperor¡¯s son?!¡± He hurled the shredded paper to the ground, his breathing ragged with fury. Zhangjia Agui was utterly shocked. Slandering the emperor¡¯s lineage? It was as if someone had spat in Qianlong¡¯s face. No wonder the emperor was driven to hysteria. Both Agui and Eunuch Hai stood frozen, not daring to speak a word. After a long silence, Qianlong¡¯s wrath finally subsided, though his face had paled. His cold, piercing gaze shifted to Eunuch Hai. ¡°Do you know who is responsible for this?¡± Eunuch Hai¡¯s body trembled. ¡°Your Majesty, it is said that the newspaper was founded by the Third Princess of the Zhou Dynasty and Yang Yi. Our agents discovered that the author of , which has been widely circulated, is the same as the author of ¡ªYang Yi.¡± Qianlong slammed his fist on the table, causing the teacup to rattle. ¡°Yang Yi! That scoundrel again!¡± His fury reignited as he turned to Agui. ¡°Agui, I am assigning you an additional 100,000 light cavalry and 20,000 Iron Buddha troops. Leave within three days, and within three months, I want Yang Yi¡¯s head! ¡°If you fail to bring me Yang Yi¡¯s head, bring me your own.¡± Zhangjia Agui¡¯s heart raced. 20,000 Iron Buddha troops? These elite soldiers were incredibly costly to maintain, and deploying such a force was no small matter. It was clear: Qianlong was utterly enraged. With a force this large, failure was not an option. 400,000 troops, 20,000 Iron Buddhas! If such a massive force couldn¡¯t conquer the Zhou Dynasty, he might as well commit suicide. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± Agui answered, his voice resolute. ¡­ After the exposed Qianlong¡¯s private affairs, it became an immensely popular read. The newly serialized stirred even more sensation, especially within the Qing Dynasty. The novel, while thrilling, contained a plotline that nearly outright suggested Qianlong was not the son of Emperor Yongzheng. This sparked an uproar throughout the Qing capital, with citizens everywhere gossiping: ¡°Could it be true that the emperor is the son of that Chen Pavilion Master?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I heard that every time the emperor visits Jiangnan, he stays at the Chen family¡¯s private estate in Haining. That seems suspicious.¡± ¡°Shh! Do you want to be arrested for spreading such rumours?¡± Despite the risks, the chatter persisted, and people could not help but whisper. ¡­ Ming Dynasty. ¡°Father, isn¡¯t Yang Yi¡¯s move too treacherous?¡± Zhu Biao frowned as he examined the latest issue of the . Using the pseudonym ¡°Runtu¡± had done little to obscure Yang Yi¡¯s identity, and the slanderous attack on Qianlong¡¯s lineage was unmistakable. Could such a slanderous novel about the enemy emperor¡¯s lineage be published without the approval of Yang Yi and the Third Princess Wu? Such a sinister idea seemed to be Yang Yi¡¯s handiwork. Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, chuckling. ¡°Biao, it¡¯s harder to stop people¡¯s mouths than to control a river¡¯s flow. Yang Yi is an expert at manipulating the public¡¯s emotions.¡± Chapter 63 Chapter 63 ¡°Before this, rumours questioning Qianlong¡¯s character had already begun circulating. After a while, those rumors gradually faded. ¡°But then, as Qianlong began slipping from the public¡¯s interest, Yang Yi seized his last opportunity to deliver another vicious slander.¡± ¡°Biao, remember this,¡± Zhu Yuanzhang said gravely. ¡°When someone is angry, they often act irrationally. And when a monarch makes a bad decision, the consequences are far-reaching and unbearable.¡± ¡°Yang Yi probably thought so too, but this time, he may have miscalculated¡­¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s tone darkened. ¡°According to Jin Yi Wei¡¯s intelligence, Qianlong has mobilized 400,000 troops, along with 20,000 Iron Buddhas. He is furious, and he has issued a death order, determined to have Yang Yi¡¯s head.¡± Zhu Biao¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Father, I don¡¯t understand. What does Yang Yi hope to gain by provoking Qianlong like this? ¡°400,000troops, plus 20,000 Iron Buddha cavalry¡ªrenowned for their invincibility in mounted combat¡ªwhat is Yang Yi after?¡± He paused, still reeling from the scale of the mobilization. ¡°Qianlong¡¯s reaction seems irrational. Given their previous defeat, if the Qing Dynasty goes to war again and loses, it could completely deplete the strength they¡¯ve built up over decades. ¡°But¡­ that¡¯s assuming the Zhou Dynasty can win. If not, the entire Zhou may be in jeopardy.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, a complex expression flickering across his face. ¡°Indeed, 20,000 Iron Buddha troops¡ªnearly half of the Qing Dynasty¡¯s entire Iron Buddha force. Qianlong¡¯s deployment of these elite cavalrymen shows he has reached the height of his hatred for Yang Yi.¡± The emperor¡¯s voice grew more somber. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I also think Yang Yi has pushed things too far this time¡­ His strategy may be sound, but can he handle the consequences?¡± Zhu Biao shook his head. ¡°I think Yang Yi is in real danger now. His schemes have crossed the line.¡± ¡­ Tang Dynasty. Inside the Tai Chi Hall, Li Shimin chuckled, holding a newspaper in his hands. ¡°Haha, this is quite entertaining¡­ Yang Yi¡¯s slander of Qianlong¡¯s lineage has worked, and Qianlong is indeed furious. 400,000 troops, plus 20,000 Iron Buddhas¡ªhow will Yang Yi react to that?¡± Changsun Wuji, standing nearby, furrowed his brow. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why Yang Yi acted so recklessly. By deliberately provoking Qianlong, he¡¯s caused the Qing Dynasty to mobilize their entire strength against the Zhou Kingdom. ¡°If the Zhou can¡¯t stand up to this, they will be destroyed. Yang Yi¡¯s strategy seems to have backfired this time.¡± Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Gao Shilian nodded in agreement. Hou Junji spoke sternly. ¡°400,000 elite troops, plus 20,000 heavily armored cavalry. Even our Great Tang cannot easily underestimate such a force. It seems Yang Yi has overplayed his hand.¡± Li Jing, who had been stroking his beard, shook his head slowly. ¡°The terrain of the Zhou Dynasty is flat and open¡ªideal for cavalry attacks. And the Iron Buddha are the finest heavy cavalry in the world. ¡°Yang Yi has relied on trickery to win battles, but now it seems the backlash is upon him. Real strength lies in upright tactics, not dark schemes.¡± Changsun Wuji nodded. ¡°Indeed, much of the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s rise can be attributed to Yang Yi¡¯s cunning strategies. But now, he may be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. His reliance on trickery has led him to overlook the power of sheer military strength.¡± The ministers in the hall scoffed, clearly skeptical of Yang Yi¡¯s ability to counter such a formidable army from the Qing Dynasty. Ever since Emperor Li Shimin began praising Yang Yi as a top strategist, many in his court felt overshadowed, as if their own brilliance had been eclipsed. Seeing Yang Yi potentially fall victim to his own schemes brought them a sense of satisfaction. Li Shimin himself looked at his ministers, feeling a mixture of pity and calculation. The Qing Dynasty¡¯s mobilization cast a long shadow over the Zhou Kingdom. Without a clear counterstrategy, the Zhou Dynasty was at risk of total collapse. Although Li Shimin admired Yang Yi¡¯s brilliance, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that the strategist¡¯s end might be near. A talent like Yang Yi could easily become an enemy of the Tang Dynasty. If he were to fall now, it would remove a potential future threat. ¡­ Qin Dynasty. At Zhangtai Temple, Li Si scowled. ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Yi¡¯s actions are a path to self-destruction. To ruin an emperor¡¯s reputation with words is truly despicable. Now, he faces the consequences!¡± Still harbouring resentment from being compared unfavourably to Yang Yi in the past, Li Si couldn¡¯t hide his satisfaction at the strategist¡¯s current predicament. Feng Quji agreed. ¡°Indeed, Yang Yi has talent, but his reliance on sinister tactics has brought him to this point. When one uses too many tricks, they are bound to backfire eventually.¡± Wang Wan nodded repeatedly. Ying Zheng, however, remained silent, lost in thought. Despite his ministers¡¯ scorn, Ying Zheng couldn¡¯t dismiss Yang Yi¡¯s past successes. Every move Yang Yi made seemed calculated, and his ability to turn dire situations in his favour was remarkable. Could he have anticipated this full-scale mobilization by Qianlong? If so, what was his plan? Ying Zheng shook his head. If Yang Yi had truly miscalculated, it would be a tragedy to lose such a brilliant mind. ¡­ Zhou Dynasty. Inside the Council Hall, Minister Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s grave voice echoed through the room. ¡°Your Majesty, urgent news from the front. Qianlong has dispatched General Zhangjia Agui, along with 400,000 troops and 20,000 Iron Buddhas, to attack our Great Zhou.¡± The hall fell into stunned silence. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, Li Yifu, and the other ministers exchanged horrified glances. Their hearts sank. This was a disaster. The Qing Dynasty was mobilizing its full strength. Despite their previous confidence, how could the Zhou Dynasty stand against such overwhelming force? Wu Zhao, the Empress, maintained a calm and composed expression, though even she recognized the gravity of the situation. The hall remained silent, the air thick with tension. Suddenly, a voice broke the stillness. ¡°Minister Zhang, did you miss something?¡± ¡°From what I heard, Qianlong has also ordered Zhangjia Agui to bring back Yang Yi¡¯s head.¡± Chapter 64 Chapter 64: Another Sinister Plot? The Shock of the Zhou Ministers! The man¡¯s voice echoed through the hall. Expressions shifted, growing strange on the faces of those present. They turned towards the entrance and saw him¡ªdressed in a python robe and wearing a golden crown, his pale face and sunken eyes stood out against the regal attire. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and the other ministers exchanged uncertain glances. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze remained calm as she addressed him. ¡°Prince Wu, why have you returned?¡± The man was none other than Wu Yuanshuang, one of her half-brothers. Though he held the title of Prince Wu, he had been sent to a remote area due to his unruly behaviour, and their late father had never favoured him. Wu Yuanshuang gave a slight smile and replied, ¡°Your Majesty, have you forgotten? In a month, it will be the anniversary of our father¡¯s passing. Naturally, I must return to pay my respects.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s brow furrowed as he observed the man. He recalled that the Empress had two half-brothers¡ªWu Yuanqing and Wu Yuanshuang¡ªboth of whom had been granted titles and exiled, rarely making appearances. Yet, one had resurfaced at such a critical moment. Wu Zhao¡¯s voice remained even. ¡°Of course, I haven¡¯t forgotten.¡± Wu Yuanshuang nodded, his demeanor suddenly becoming serious. ¡°Your Majesty, on my way here, I heard troubling news¡ªthe Qing army is approaching our borders. Our Great Zhou stands on the brink of disaster.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°Oh? Do you have a solution?¡± Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s face grew stern. ¡°It was Yang Yi who provoked Qianlong, and the Qing Emperor has specifically named him. In my humble opinion, we should hand over Yang Yi and apologize to the Qing Dynasty. Perhaps we can avoid this calamity.¡± He glanced around the hall. ¡°Lords, don¡¯t you agree? Given our current situation, isn¡¯t Yang Yi the obvious criminal?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched Wu Yuanshuang The hall fell into an uncomfortable silence. It was undeniable¡ªQianlong¡¯s sudden aggression was sparked by Yang Yi¡¯s relentless slander. If not for Yang Yi¡¯s sharp words, perhaps the Qing Emperor wouldn¡¯t have mobilized his entire army in a fit of rage. Yang Yi chuckled inwardly. What had he ever done to offend Prince Wu? Just as the silence became unbearable, Wu Zhao¡¯s cold voice broke through. ¡°Enough.¡± ¡°No matter the circumstances, I will never hand over Minister Yang.¡± ¡°Qianlong insulted our Great Zhou, and Minister Yang has laboured tirelessly for the nation. How could he be considered a criminal?¡± Wu Yuanshuang was visibly flustered, stammering for a moment before responding, ¡°I¡¯m only thinking of the kingdom¡¯s welfare, Your Majesty. Besides, what other way is there to resist the Qing army¡¯s 400,000 troops?¡± The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. Though Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s words were harsh, there was some logic to them. The Qing cavalry was not a force to be taken lightly. Wu Zhao frowned slightly, her sharp eyes scanning the room. ¡°Does anyone have a good strategy?¡± The ministers lowered their heads, the overwhelming might of the Qing army looming large in their minds. Any plan they proposed felt like a desperate gamble. Wu Zhao felt a wave of disappointment wash over her as she glanced at Yang Yi. Yet, as always, his expression remained serene, completely unaffected by Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s accusations. Clinging to a thread of hope, Wu Zhao turned her full attention to him. ¡°Minister Yang, do you have a plan to repel the enemy?¡± All eyes shifted to Yang Yi, their gazes a mixture of hope, doubt, and even disdain. Yang Yi smiled faintly and bowed. ¡°Your Majesty, I do not have a plan to repel the enemy¡­¡± A murmur rippled through the room, tinged with disappointment. Wu Yuanshuang sneered openly. He never believed that this ¡®strategist¡¯ would be able to pull off anything impressive, especially now. Wu Zhao¡¯s own disappointment was evident, though she gave a slight nod. ¡°It¡¯s fine if there is no plan. Our Great Zhou will¡­¡± Before she could finish, Yang Yi continued, ¡°But, Your Majesty, while I do not have a plan to repel the enemy, I do have a plan to destroy them.¡± The hall erupted into silence, shocked gasps escaping from some of the ministers. A plan to destroy the enemy? Xu Jingzong and the other officials exchanged startled looks, feeling chills race down their spines. There was a world of difference between repelling an enemy and annihilating them! Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s face twisted in disbelief. He eyed Yang Yi with suspicion and a growing dislike. How could their forces, no matter how skilled, hope to annihilate the Qing Dynasty¡¯s elite cavalry? ¡°I think you¡¯ve lost your mind,¡± Wu Yuanshuang spat, his tone sharp. ¡°You¡¯re the one who provoked the Qing Dynasty, dragging our Great Zhou into this mess, and now you dare to boast about annihilation?¡± ¡°Enough!¡± The Empress¡¯s icy command sliced through the air. Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s face stiffened. He hadn¡¯t anticipated such a harsh reprimand. His frustration bubbled, but under Wu Zhao¡¯s piercing gaze, he kept silent. He had no choice but to back down, though he grumbled quietly, ¡°Arrogant fool¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze softened slightly as she addressed Yang Yi again. ¡°Minister Yang, please, share your strategy.¡± The tension in the hall shifted as everyone focused on Yang Yi, some daring to hope that perhaps, just maybe, he had a solution. Yang Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Your Majesty, my plan requires three days¡­¡± ¡°Three days?¡± Xu Jingzong murmured, confusion clouding his features. Wu Yuanshuang scoffed loudly. ¡°Three days? Are you stalling for time to make your escape?¡± Yang Yi smiled coolly. ¡°Even if Prince Wu were to run, I wouldn¡¯t.¡± The muscles in Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s jaw twitched, his temper flaring, but before he could respond, Wu Zhao interjected. ¡°I trust Minister Yang,¡± she declared, her voice resolute. The room fell silent again. Wu Yuanshuang could only bite his tongue, furious that his sister had sided with this so-called strategist once more. But he was curious to see what miraculous plan this ¡®pretty boy¡¯ would devise in three days. The court session soon ended, and Yang Yi quietly departed the palace, slipping into a secret location within the Imperial City. ¡­ Meanwhile, on the other side¡­ Chapter 65 Chapter 65 Wu Yuanshuang returned to his residence¡ªPrince Wu¡¯s Mansion. ¡°Prince Wu, this is a token of my master¡¯s sincerity. We hope you will fulfill your promise,¡± said a man dressed in fine clothes, his expression sinister. Before him were six open trunks filled with dazzling jewels and gleaming gold ingots. Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s eyes gleamed with greed as he chuckled. ¡°Go back and tell Zhangjia Agui that I¡¯ve accepted the payment. I¡¯ll follow through on my end.¡± ¡°I will ensure that Great Zhou delivers Yang Yi, but your master must also honour his word. Once Yang Yi is handed over, your army must retreat. It¡¯s in no one¡¯s interest to continue fighting. Our Great Zhou seeks peaceful coexistence with the Qing Dynasty.¡± The Qing envoy gave a shallow smile, one that did little to mask his insincerity. ¡°I will convey Prince Wu¡¯s message to my master.¡± The envoy placed his hat back on and departed from Prince Wu¡¯s mansion. ¡­ Yucheng. ¡°General Heichi, the enemy is advancing rapidly. I¡¯m afraid we won¡¯t be able to hold out much longer,¡± Guo Jingzhi reported, his expression grim. Heichi Changzhi wiped the blood from his face and spat on the ground. ¡°Damn Zhangjia Agui. He¡¯s gone mad! 400,000 troops¡ªare they trying to encircle and wipe us out?¡± Many of the soldiers exchanged bitter smiles. After receiving his reinforcements, Zhangjia Agui wasted no time in launching his attack. The Qing Dynasty had suffered defeat at their hands before, losing Yucheng in the process. Now that Zhangjia Agui was leading the assault on Great Zhou, he naturally aimed to reclaim Yucheng first. But the disparity in numbers was overwhelming. The Qing army was several times their size, while Heichi¡¯s forces numbered less than 100,000. Were it not for Yucheng¡¯s strong fortifications, they¡¯d have been overrun by now. Even so, the casualties were mounting. They couldn¡¯t hold out much longer if things remained as they were. Heichi Changzhi glanced at the weary soldiers around him, then shifted his gaze to Li Cunxiao, who stood tall and unyielding as ever. Heichi thought before turning to address the troops. ¡°No matter how many enemies there are, as long as the emperor hasn¡¯t ordered a retreat, we will defend this place to the death! ¡°If the city stands, we stand! ¡°If the city falls, we fall!¡± ¡­ On the other side. The Qing army camp. ¡°Inform the Zhou army that if they hand over Yang Yi, I will order a halt to the attack on their dynasty,¡± Zhangjia Agui said calmly. His subordinate bowed. ¡°Yes, General.¡± Once alone, Zhangjia Agui narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself, ¡°Let¡¯s see how the people of Great Zhou react to this. Yang Yi, what will you do now?¡± ¡­ Three days later. In the Council Hall. ¡°Your Majesty, urgent news from the front.¡± Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s face was grim. ¡°Zhangjia Agui is leading an assault on Yucheng. Our forces have already suffered a thousand casualties. The enemy outnumbers us several times over. Yucheng is in grave danger.¡± The oppressive weight of the situation hung in the air. Facing a force of tens of thousands, including the elite Iron Buddha cavalry, filled everyone in the hall with a sense of helplessness. Wu Zhao¡¯s expression remained composed, her cold, regal demeanor unwavering. She gripped the edge of the dragon throne and spoke with a calm but authoritative tone. ¡°The enemy advances with great force. Great Zhou must not retreat. Minister Zhang, how many troops can we muster?¡± Zhang Jianzhi hesitated before responding slowly. ¡°Excluding the garrisons and the forces stationed in the capital, we can mobilize 300,000 troops at best. ¡°However, many of these soldiers are new recruits, so sending all three hundred thousand would not be wise.¡± A heavy silence followed. Even with every available soldier, it seemed unlikely they could withstand the Qing army¡¯s overwhelming numbers. The difference in strength between a smaller kingdom and a mighty empire was stark. Wu Yuanshuang surveyed the hall before speaking in a deep voice. ¡°Your Majesty, Zhangjia Agui claims that if we hand over Yang Yi, he will cease his assault on Great Zhou. I didn¡¯t make this up. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The enemy is pressing us hard, and if we don¡¯t hand over Yang Yi, our country will suffer greatly. If we do, we can resolve this crisis. ¡°Three days have passed since Yang Yi claimed to have a solution, but he¡¯s nowhere to be found. Relying on him to save us is a fool¡¯s hope. In my opinion, handing him over would be the wisest course of action.¡± As Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s words echoed through the hall, several ministers began to waver. Yang Yi had made numerous contributions to Great Zhou, but if offering him up could avert disaster, it seemed an option worth considering. Li Yifu immediately chimed in, ¡°Prince Wu¡¯s suggestion makes sense. In these desperate times, handing over Yang Yi seems like the best solution.¡± Murmurs filled the hall as ministers whispered among themselves. ¡°Our army can¡¯t withstand Zhangjia Agui¡¯s forces much longer¡­¡± ¡°If we hand over Minister Yang, what will the world think of our Great Zhou?¡± ¡°Do appearances matter when our very survival is at stake?¡± ¡°Is Minister Yang¡¯s life more important than the fate of our entire kingdom?¡± The discussion grew louder, tensions rising with each comment. Wu Yuanshuang smirked. To him, Yang Yi¡¯s fate was of little consequence. If surrendering Yang Yi brought peace and also filled his coffers, what more could he ask for? Wu Zhao¡¯s icy voice cut through the commotion, silencing the room. ¡°I will never sacrifice my ministers to save my own life.¡± Wu Yuanshuang stiffened, staring at his sister in disbelief. Even at this critical juncture, she remained so resolute? The court fell into uneasy silence, their gazes shifting toward the Empress. While some had hoped she would take the easy path, her refusal to betray one of her own made them feel a deeper sense of loyalty. This was a ruler worth serving. Just then, a guard rushed in, bowing deeply. ¡°Your Majesty, Minister Yang requests the court¡¯s presence at the training grounds. His strategy to defeat the enemy is ready.¡± A wave of disbelief swept through the hall. Could there really be a plan? Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes gleamed with renewed hope. She stood abruptly. ¡°Let us go and see for ourselves.¡± ¡­ Training Grounds. When they arrived, they found Yang Yi awaiting them, alongside several prisoners dressed in prison clothes. Yang Yi bowed deeply. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Wu Zhao nodded, her gaze filled with expectation. Her voice was calm but carried the weight of her anticipation. ¡°Minister Yang, do you have a solution?¡± Yang Yi smiled confidently. ¡°Victory is assured, Your Majesty.¡± Wu Yuanshuang sneered. ¡°Victory? Based on what? Those prisoners behind you?¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow and responded smoothly, ¡°Indeed, Prince Wu. These prisoners are the key.¡± The ministers exchanged bewildered glances. Was Minister Yang serious? Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s face reddened with frustration. Feeling mocked, he snapped, ¡°Yang Yi, do you know how many soldiers are dying at the front because of you?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes narrowed as he gave Wu Yuanshuang a cool smile. ¡°Rest assured, Prince Wu.. For every Great Zhou soldier who sacrifices their life, I will make the enemy pay dearly.¡± Turning back to the Empress, Yang Yi spoke with utmost sincerity. ¡°Your Majesty, everything is in place. Please, observe.¡± Wu Zhao nodded, and a flicker of curiosity flashed in Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and the others were equally focused. Yang Yi gave a small nod and gestured toward the prisoners. One prisoner gritted his teeth and charged forward, holding a black object in his hand. Before him stood a line of straw-filled dummies dressed in armour, arranged in neat rows. The ministers watched, puzzled by what they were witnessing. Then, the ground shook as a massive explosion erupted. Chapter 66 Chapter 66: The Ruthless Strategy of Life for Life! The terrifying flames instantly engulfed the armor and the prisoner. The massive explosion echoed across the entire training ground, leaving everyone momentarily stunned, a buzzing sound ringing in their ears. They stared blankly at the site of the explosion. After a while, the black smoke began to dissipate. The armor that had been placed there lay shattered into countless pieces. Not a single remnant of the sixteen sets of armor remained. The ground was charred, and severed limbs were scattered about, clearly indicating that the prisoner had been blown to pieces. Shangguan Wan¡¯er covered her mouth, her face pale as she fought to suppress her nausea. It was the first time she had witnessed such a bloody scene. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and others were equally pale, their eyes filled with horror. They gasped in shock, fixated on the severed limbs on the ground. A chill ran from their feet to the top of their heads, making their hair stand on end. What on earth had caused that explosion? How could it have been so powerful? It was terrifying! Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s legs grew weak, and his face turned ashen. The explosion had taken him by surprise, leaving his ears ringing. Though Wu Zhao appeared the most composed, her fists were clenched tightly within her sleeves, cold sweat trickling down her back. At the moment of the explosion, she had nearly mistaken it for an earthquake. The drill ground was deadly silent. Wei Yuanzhong swallowed hard, shock filling his eyes as he looked at Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, this, this is¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°This weapon is called gunpowder, and I have meticulously crafted it. Its power is immense. With enough, it can even split mountains and crack stones!¡± ¡°Split mountains and crack rocks?¡± Everyone¡¯s scalps prickled at his words. They gazed at the charred ground in disbelief, swallowing hard. Such a powerful weapon was truly terrifying. Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes widened in shock. Yang Yi had told her about the potential of gunpowder before. At that time, she had trusted him and agreed to let him develop it, giving him full responsibility. Afterward, she had forgotten about it. She never expected him to succeed in creating it, let alone to such an astonishing degree! No wonder Yang Yi was fearless in the face of hundreds of thousands of Qing soldiers. The power of such a weapon was comparable to that of legendary immortals. Yang Yi gestured toward the charred ground. ¡°I just placed sixteen sets of refined iron armor there. This armor is no less than the heavy armor of the Iron Pagoda. But as you have all seen, no matter how strong the armor is, it is as fragile as paper before gunpowder! ¡°What do you think? If this gunpowder is used in the army, what is there to fear from the Iron Pagoda?¡± Shock coursed through the crowd. Sixteen sets of armor, comparable to the Iron Pagoda¡¯s heavy armor, had been shattered so easily? Wouldn¡¯t the Iron Pagoda be powerless against this gunpowder? At this thought, excitement washed over everyone, goosebumps rising on their skin. They inhaled deeply and looked at Yang Yi in awe. This Minister Yang was truly full of plans; he could even create something as terrifying as gunpowder! Shangguan Wan¡¯er blinked thoughtfully. ¡°Minister Yang, the enemy won¡¯t just stand there and get blown up. It might be inconvenient for our army to use this gunpowder against them¡­¡± Her words stunned everyone, plunging them into deep thought. She was right. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve brought in a group of strong death row prisoners. These criminals are condemned, their crimes unforgivable. ¡°I¡¯ve promised them that if they carry the gunpowder and perish with the enemy, their families will be rewarded. Should they succeed in killing enemy leaders, the credit will go to their families. ¡°The enemy knows nothing of this weapon. So, when their cavalry charges, these prisoners will carry the gunpowder and sacrifice themselves. ¡°Each one can take out dozens of enemies with them. This ¡®life-for-life¡¯ strategy will surely break the enemy¡¯s morale.¡± A collective gasp escaped the crowd. Their scalps tingled as they stared at Yang Yi. Now they understood why he was feared as the most ruthless strategist of the Great Zhou. Sending prisoners to perish with the enemy, armed with explosives? It was a strategy that only someone with a heart of stone could devise. Were you even human, Yang Yi? Or was the title of King of Yama more fitting? Everyone swallowed hard, a wave of goosebumps sweeping over them. Just moments ago, they had seen a man blown to pieces. Such a grisly death wasn¡¯t something most could stomach. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the Empress, Wu Zhao, seemed shaken. Her lips parted slightly, and for the first time, her eyes reflected shock at Yang Yi¡¯s life-for-life strategy. Yang Yi continued, unbothered by their reactions. ¡°Keeping these prisoners is a waste of resources. It¡¯s better for them to make a final contribution to the Great Zhou and their families. ¡°But we¡¯ll need more. These few prisoners won¡¯t be enough. I plan to gather them from across the empire and form a suicide squad. ¡°A squad equipped with gunpowder. No matter how strong or seasoned the enemy, if they dare attack, they won¡¯t return. ¡°I¡¯d like to gather one or two thousand of these men. Their sacrifice could cripple the enemy¡¯s army. We could even draw from our own soldiers¡ªafter all, soldiers are stronger and faster than mere prisoners.¡± A suicide squad? Everyone stared at Yang Yi in disbelief, horror flickering in their eyes. What kind of mind could devise such a plan? Just imagine¡ªa wave of death warriors, strapped with enough explosives to split mountains, charging headlong into the enemy. The thought alone sent shivers down their spines. If you were caught in their path, you¡¯d be blown to bits. Who could withstand such a force? The Iron Pagoda? They were just soldiers clad in armor. They¡¯d be obliterated too. No wonder people called Yang Yi the King of Yama. With tricks like these, who could argue? Before anyone could react, Yang Yi added casually, ¡°We can also fill the gunpowder with iron shards and nails. When it explodes, the shards and nails will pierce through nearby enemies.¡± Chapter 67 Chapter 67 Silence! Everyone was stunned, their jaws dropped. They were drenched in sweat, hardly able to process what they¡¯d just heard. Adding iron shards and nails to the gunpowder? It was beyond treacherous. No wonder they called Yang Yi the Living Yama. The training ground fell into a suffocating silence. Wu Zhao, though shaken, suppressed her excitement. In a deep, measured voice, she said, ¡°I will arrange for these explosives to be sent to the front immediately¡­¡± Then, she added with deliberate gravity, ¡°Minister Yang, you have made a great contribution.¡± Yang Yi folded his hands respectfully. ¡°Your Majesty, I have someone under my command who can carry out this important task. I would like him to lead the suicide squad to the front.¡± Wu Zhao raised her eyebrows, but her answer came without hesitation. ¡°Very well, I will entrust this matter to you.¡± Everyone looked at Yang Yi with envy. To be granted such honour and favour by the Empress was a rare and coveted privilege. Yang Yi smiled slightly, then turned toward Wu Yuanshuang, whose expression was conflicted. ¡°Prince Wu,¡± Yang Yi began, his voice calm yet sharp, ¡°do you think this gunpowder can solve the Qing threat?¡± Wu Yuanshuang swallowed hard, forcing a strained smile. ¡°This gunpowder is indeed powerful, but the battlefield is ever-changing. It¡¯s hard to say if it will be enough.¡± Yang Yi nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s why you secretly met with the Qing envoy and accepted their bribes, isn¡¯t it?¡± The crowd froze in shock, all eyes snapping to Wu Yuanshuang in astonishment. Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s face turned ashen, and he stammered, ¡°You¡­ you are slandering me!¡± But Wu Zhao cut him off, her voice cold and decisive. ¡°I have known about the Qing envoy since the day they entered the city. Did you really think your scheming would go unnoticed?¡± With a sharp command, she barked, ¡°Guards, take him away.¡± Wu Yuanshuang¡¯s face paled even further. ¡°Sister! You cannot kill me!¡± His voice broke in desperation. ¡°Father said on his deathbed that we must remain siblings, that we should never kill each other¡ª¡± His protests were cut short as the guards dragged him away, his cries fading into the distance. Yang Yi sneered as he watched. ¡°Did you really think you were the great War god? Taking bribes and stirring up trouble¡­ What a pathetic end.¡± ¡­ Yucheng ¡°General Heichi¡­¡± Guo Jingzhi said with a bitter smile, ¡°We can¡¯t hold out any longer¡­¡± Heichi Changzhi, leaning against the city wall, his body battered and weary, silently bandaged his wounds. He spoke firmly, despite the pain, ¡°No matter what, we must hold this place.¡± Guo Jingzhi sighed, glancing toward Li Cunxiao, who stood not far away, unyielding like a mountain. ¡°This Li Cunxiao¡­ he¡¯s a monster. He never seems to tire.¡± Heichi Changzhi nodded in silence. ¡°Minister Yang is no ordinary man, and the people he recommends are anything but ordinary.¡± Without Li Cunxiao holding the line, Yucheng would have fallen long ago. Time and time again, Li Cunxiao had swept through the enemy ranks like a god of war, leaving even the Qing cavalry trembling in awe. But despite his heroics, the enemy¡¯s sheer numbers were overwhelming. Even the greatest warrior cannot defeat an army alone. The shouts of the Qing army erupted outside the walls once more. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s face tightened as he gazed out at the endless sea of Qing soldiers. The air was thick with killing intent. Everyone on the wall could feel it¡ªdeath loomed. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Gentlemen, Yucheng is about to be breached. We have received the Empress¡¯s mercy and bounty. Today, we die for Her Majesty!¡± The soldiers¡¯ hearts quaked, but the weight of their loyalty steeled their resolve. ¡°Prepare to die for Her Majesty!¡± Heichi Changzhi roared, brandishing his weapon. ¡°Long live the Great Zhou!¡± His cry echoed across the walls, and the soldiers joined in, their voices rising in a chorus of defiant loyalty. ¡°Long live the Great Zhou!¡± Their grief and fear were replaced by an unshakable fighting spirit. They would fight, they would die, but they would not surrender. Then, suddenly¡ª A thunderous voice echoed over the battlefield. ¡°General Xu Chu under Minister Yang of the Great Zhou is here! Qing dogs, surrender now!¡± Heichi Changzhi and the others blinked in disbelief, turning to look over the city walls. Li Cunxiao¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed, and his gaze locked onto the distant horizon. A cloud of dust was rolling toward them, accompanied by the fluttering banner emblazoned with the word ¡°Yang.¡± The leader of the approaching force was a burly man, built like a mountain, with eyes like lightning and an aura of fearsome might. ¡°Reinforcements!¡± Heichi Changzhi shouted, his voice thick with relief. ¡°Reinforcements have arrived!¡± Guo Jingzhi and the others were overjoyed. Even though they had prepared to die, the sight of reinforcements rekindled their hope for survival. But then¡­ Guo Jingzhi¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Wait. Why are there so few?¡± Everyone else quickly realized the same. Xu Chu had brought only a few thousand men into the enemy¡¯s overwhelming ranks. The enemy cavalry, clad in their infamous black heavy armor, quickly noticed too. They charged toward Xu Chu¡¯s small force with savage intent. ¡°Damn! It¡¯s the Iron Pagoda!¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Heichi Changzhi and Guo Jingzhi paled in horror. How could Xu Chu stand a chance with such few men? It seemed inevitable¡ªa fight to the death. The Iron Pagoda, a relentless juggernaut, crashed toward Xu Chu¡¯s forces like an unstoppable wave. Heichi Changzhi gritted his teeth in frustration, pounding the city wall with his fist. It was over. The Great Zhou reinforcements were about to be crushed¡ª Then¡­ A sudden explosion ripped through the battlefield, and flames erupted across the Iron Pagoda ranks. The ground trembled under the force of the explosions, and the once-formidable Iron Pagoda soldiers were instantly consumed by the inferno, torn apart like paper. Screams of agony filled the air as the Qing soldiers were blown into countless pieces. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s mouth fell open in shock. He stood frozen, watching the scene unfold as if in a nightmare. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± Guo Jingzhi and the others were no less startled, their eyes wide as they stared at the carnage below. Limbs and blood rained from the sky, the once mighty Iron Pagoda reduced to nothing in mere moments. The soldiers on the city walls gasped in unison, their hearts pounding in terror. The Iron Pagoda, the invincible cavalry, had been blown apart so easily? Swallowing hard, Heichi Changzhi gripped his weapon, his knuckles white. His voice trembled with awe and disbelief. ¡°Could this be¡­ the work of that strategist again?¡± Xu Chu¡¯s earlier shout echoed in his mind. Yang Yi¡¯s name hung heavily in the air. ¡°Damn it,¡± Heichi muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°This Minister Yang is ruthless. He¡¯s truly the Living Yama.¡± Chapter 68 Chapter 68On the other side. Zhangjia Agui stared in disbelief at the explosions in the distance. His Iron Pagoda soldiers, once feared as an unstoppable force, had been blown to pieces by the sudden and violent onslaught. His heart pounded in his chest, blood rushing to his face. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± he bellowed. ¡°What is this?¡± Zhangjia Agui¡¯s eyes were bloodshot with fury. Damn it. Those were Iron Pagoda soldiers¡ªwarriors crafted with immense effort and resources. Each one was handpicked from hundreds of soldiers for their strength, capable of donning the heavy armor that made them the terror of battlefields. When they charged, they were like a torrent of steel, crushing all flesh and bone in their path. But now? They were reduced to nothing more than pieces of charred flesh. Zhangjia Agui¡¯s head buzzed with disbelief. His deputy generals stood frozen, shock plastered on their faces. None dared answer him. All eyes were fixed on the battlefield, where this terrifying new force from the Zhou army had unleashed hell upon them. Zhangjia Agui, though seething with rage, was a battle-hardened general. His voice dropped into a low, controlled growl. ¡°Spread out immediately! Keep your distance from those men!¡± His orders were swift, and the Qing cavalry quickly began to scatter. ¡­ On Yucheng¡¯s city walls, Guo Jingzhi¡¯s face paled. ¡°General Heichi, the enemy has spread out. What should we do now?¡± The Zhou soldiers, too, looked on with concern. They hadn¡¯t fully understood how these reinforcements had managed to cause such destruction, but it was clear the enemy had realized the danger and was moving to avoid it. Heichi Changzhi, fists clenched, was about to issue an order when Guo Jingzhi gasped. ¡°Look¡­¡± All heads turned. Below the city, the Zhou soldiers mounted on horseback were charging again¡ªstraight into the scattering Qing forces. The enemy¡¯s retreat was too slow to escape the speed of the Zhou cavalry. Each Zhou soldier was strapped with black explosive packs, and they charged into the heart of the Qing ranks without hesitation. Moments later¡ª A series of deafening explosions tore through the enemy lines. The flames erupted with the force of thunder, engulfing dozens of enemy soldiers at once. Nails and shards of iron, hidden within the explosive packs, shot through the air like deadly projectiles, tearing into flesh and bone. In an instant, hundreds of Qing soldiers were obliterated. Heichi Changzhi and the other Zhou soldiers stood on the walls, watching in stunned silence as one explosive-rigged soldier after another charged into the enemy and detonated, turning the battlefield into a sea of fire and death. ¡°Prepare to open the gates!¡± Heichi Changzhi ordered, his voice fierce with newfound resolve. ¡°We¡¯re charging out to attack the enemy from both sides!¡± ¡°Yes, General!¡± came the roars of Guo Jingzhi and the others. In the next moment, the gates of Yucheng swung open. Heichi Changzhi led tens of thousands of Zhou cavalry through, their spears glinting in the sunlight as they plunged into the Qing formation. The Qing soldiers, already disoriented by the explosions, were thrown into further chaos by the sudden assault from behind. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s men sliced through the enemy ranks like a sharp blade. Qing soldiers fell by the hundreds, unable to defend themselves against the relentless onslaught. On the other side of the battlefield, Zhangjia Agui¡¯s commands were becoming increasingly frantic, but the tide of the battle had already shifted. The terrifying explosions grew louder, and the Qing soldiers were fleeing in droves. ¡°Retreat!¡± Zhangjia Agui bellowed, his voice hoarse. He turned his horse and fled, his personal guard following closely behind. With their general fleeing, the rest of the Qing army crumbled. Men dropped their weapons and ran, desperate to escape the hellish battlefield. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s eyes gleamed with triumph as he saw the enemy breaking. ¡°Charge!¡± ¡­ Three hours later, the battlefield was littered with the remains of a once-mighty army. ¡°General Heichi,¡± Guo Jingzhi reported breathlessly, ¡°in this battle, we killed over 60,000 Qing soldiers and captured 30,000, including 8,000 Iron Pagoda soldiers. The enemy has been gravely weakened!¡± The Zhou soldiers stood in awe of their victory, their chests heaving with exhaustion and exhilaration. Never in their wildest dreams had they imagined such a triumph. Heichi Changzhi, though victorious, remained solemn. His heart was heavy with the knowledge that more battles awaited them. He had barely begun to process the victory when a towering figure approached. It was Xu Chu, his broad chest streaked with blood, his face hardened by battle. The surrounding soldiers parted, eyeing him with awe. Xu Chu saluted Heichi Changzhi. ¡°I am Xu Chu, here to greet General Heichi.¡± ¡°General Xu, you¡¯re too modest,¡± Heichi Changzhi replied quickly, returning the salute. ¡°Without your help, we¡¯d have been slaughtered today.¡± Xu Chu¡¯s voice was steady, his gaze firm. ¡°I was only carrying out my master¡¯s orders.¡± He reached into his armor and produced a small brocade bag, handing it to Heichi Changzhi. ¡°This is from Minister Yang Yi. He instructed me to give it to you once Yucheng was secured.¡± Heichi Changzhi took the brocade bag, his heart pounding as he untied the delicate ribbon and peeked inside. His face immediately paled, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Seeing his reaction, Guo Jingzhi stepped closer, concerned. ¡°General Heichi, what is it?¡± The other soldiers, curious, edged forward. They, too, wanted to know what had shaken Heichi Changzhi so badly. Heichi Changzhi swallowed hard before speaking. ¡°Minister Yang has ordered us to break the siege of Yucheng¡­ and pursue the Qing army to inflict even heavier damage.¡± A murmur rippled through the soldiers. Their confusion was evident. Hadn¡¯t they already done enough? Guo Jingzhi frowned. ¡°Minister Yang overestimates us. We only have seventy to eighty thousand men left. How can we possibly counterattack?¡± The others nodded in agreement. Xu Chu¡¯s expression remained firm. ¡°I¡¯ve come with orders to support Yucheng. An additional army of nearly 100,000 men will soon join us.¡± Even with this news, Guo Jingzhi scratched his head, still doubtful. ¡°That¡¯s still not enough to seriously damage the Qing army, is it?¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 69 Chapter 69Heichi Changzhi sighed. ¡°So, Minister Yang has given us a strategy.¡± Everyone perked up, curiosity filling their faces. A strategy? Heichi Changzhi smiled wryly, a strange expression crossing his features. ¡°Minister Yang said that after we resolve the crisis in Yucheng, we will inevitably capture some of the enemy soldiers.¡± ¡°His plan is simple: tie explosives to the prisoners, bind their hands, gag them, and drive them back into the enemy camp. The Qing army won¡¯t stop their own returning comrades.¡± The soldiers leaned in, listening with bated breath. ¡°When they get close to the enemy, we¡¯ll wrap our arrows in oilcloth, light them, and shoot. The fire arrows will ignite the explosives strapped to the prisoners, causing an explosion in the enemy ranks.¡± He paused. A collective gasp echoed through the camp. Everyone¡¯s faces were filled with horror as their hair stood on end. This plan was vicious. No wonder Minister Yang was regarded as the most ruthless strategist in all of Great Zhou. He was practically the living King of Hell. Using prisoners as human bombs? The soldiers around Heichi were stunned, swallowing hard. Having fought alongside Xu Chu¡¯s forces, they understood what the so-called explosives could do. They were in awe of Yang Yi¡¯s terrifying strategy. The Qing soldiers would never suspect that their own comrades could be turned into such deadly weapons. By the time they realized, it would be too late. They had thirty thousand prisoners. Even if they only used a few thousand strapped with explosives, it would wreak havoc on the Qing army. Guo Jingzhi rubbed his stiff cheeks, a bitter smile playing on his lips. ¡°Minister Yang¡¯s strategy is truly extraordinary.¡± Everyone nodded in agreement, relief flooding their chests. They were fortunate to be on his side. If they were on the receiving end, it would be disastrous. Xu Chu continued, ¡°Minister Yang sent me ahead to support Yucheng, and the rest of the army will bring a large amount of explosives.¡± Heichi Changzhi held the brocade bag, his expression solemn. ¡°Since Minister Yang has made the arrangements, we will follow the plan.¡± The soldiers straightened, their hearts pounding with tension. ¡°Yes, General!¡± ¡­ Three Days Later ¨C Qing Army Camp ¡°General, our scouts have reported that the Zhou army is approaching,¡± a guard said, bowing respectfully. Zhangjia Agui frowned, stepping out of his tent. He looked weary, the battle from days earlier having cost him nearly a quarter of his troops. His forces were depleted, and morale had taken a serious hit. He hadn¡¯t expected the Zhou to launch a counterattack so soon. ¡°Prepare for battle!¡± Zhangjia Agui commanded, his voice filled with resolve. This time, he swore to teach the Zhou a hard lesson for their previous defeat. Minutes later, Zhangjia Agui stood on a hill, staring at the distant shadows. Something was off. ¡°What is going on?¡± he muttered, confused. He saw a group of Qing prisoners moving toward them, their hands bound and mouths gagged. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± Zhangjia Agui¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°What are these Zhou soldiers doing?¡± The Qing generals standing beside him were just as baffled. Were the Zhou¡­ returning the prisoners? Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They exchanged confused glances, unable to make sense of the situation. On the other side, Heichi Changzhi¡¯s expression hardened with determination. He gazed toward the Qing camp, his voice low but firm. ¡°Release them.¡± ¡°Yes, General,¡± Guo Jingzhi and the others replied solemnly. The Zhou soldiers stepped aside, and the Qing prisoners hesitated for a moment before taking tentative steps toward their own camp. A powerful survival instinct surged within them when they realized the Zhou soldiers weren¡¯t killing them. In an instant, the leading prisoners broke into a frantic run. Behind them, others followed, panic spreading like wildfire. Bound and gagged, they couldn¡¯t communicate, but their instincts screamed at them to run. Among the thirty thousand Qing prisoners, there were certainly some sharp minds. They had likely realized that they were being used as pawns in a trap. But even the cleverest among them couldn¡¯t ignore the chance to survive. Faced with certain death, they ran toward their camp with all their strength, adrenaline coursing through their veins. Zhangjia Agui¡¯s soldiers stared at the approaching prisoners, unsure of what to do. Those running toward them were comrades¡ªfellow Qing soldiers. ¡°They¡¯re returning?¡± someone muttered in disbelief. It seemed like the Zhou hadn¡¯t harmed them. No one dared to attack their own. From the backlines, Heichi Changzhi and Guo Jingzhi watched with tense expressions. ¡°They might realize something¡¯s off,¡± Heichi Changzhi said, his voice dark. ¡°But when faced with death, everyone becomes selfish. They¡¯ll run, even if it means leading destruction straight to their comrades.¡± ¡°Minister Yang predicted this. Truly a master strategist,¡± Guo Jingzhi murmured in awe. Heichi Changzhi nodded. ¡°Prepare to fire the arrows.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± came the grim reply. Moments later, large crossbows were pushed out. Normal arrows wouldn¡¯t be enough to ignite the explosives from this distance. Soldiers lit the oil-wrapped arrowheads. Heichi Changzhi raised his hand. ¡°Fire.¡± In an instant, a volley of flaming arrows shot into the sky, cutting through the air with a sharp whistle. On the other side, Zhangjia Agui was still trying to make sense of the situation when he noticed the flaming arrows hurtling toward the prisoners. His eyes widened in horror. ¡°It¡¯s a trap!¡± he screamed. But it was too late. The arrows rained down upon the prisoners just as they reached the camp. A massive explosion rocked the ground, instantly engulfing the prisoners and dozens of Qing soldiers nearby. The thunderous roar of the blast echoed through the camp, setting off a chain of explosions as the black sacks strapped to the prisoners ignited. The Qing camp was thrown into chaos. Thousands of prisoners, now walking bombs, tore through their own ranks. The ground shook, and the sky was filled with the horrific sound of explosions. Soldiers screamed, their bodies flung through the air like ragdolls. Limbs, charred remains, and smoke filled the battlefield¡ªturning it into a scene from hell. Zhangjia Agui stood frozen, his face pale as death. His mind went blank. His officers yelled in panic, dragging him away from the blast zone. If they stayed any longer, they would be killed in the carnage. From the Zhou side, even Heichi Changzhi¡¯s men were stunned into silence by the sheer destruction. ¡°This¡­¡± one soldier muttered, his face pale. ¡°Even the King of Hell would be ashamed of such cruelty.¡± Suppressing the chill in his veins, Heichi Changzhi drew his sword and roared, ¡°Advance! Chase them down!¡± ¡­ Qing Dynasty¨C Golden Throne Hall ¡°Your Majesty, urgent report from the front!¡± Eunuch Hai rushed in, holding a secret letter. Qianlong, sipping ginseng tea, smiled pleasantly at his ministers. ¡°Agui¡¯s speed is impressive. A victory report already?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng and Yin Jishan beamed. ¡°Congratulations, Your Majesty! Our army must have achieved a great victory.¡± Qianlong chuckled as he opened the letter, but his smile quickly faded. His hands trembled, and his face drained of colour. ¡°The Iron Pagoda Army has been completely destroyed. Of four hundred thousand troops, two hundred thousand have been killed, eighty thousand captured, and fewer than one hundred thousand¡­ are in retreat?¡± Chapter 70 Chapter 70: A Great Victory that Shocked the Zhou MinistersQianlong¡¯s last words were almost a scream, his voice cracking with fear. The atmosphere in the hall turned icy, and everyone¡¯s scalps prickled as they stared at him in disbelief. They could scarcely believe what they had just heard. Four-hundred-thousand strong army, including the supposedly invincible Iron Pagoda Army, utterly defeated? Fu Cha Fu Heng, Yin Jishan, and the other ministers were too stunned to speak. Qianlong, visibly shaken, could barely hold the secret letter. ¡°Impossible, absolutely impossible!¡± He opened the letter again, his eyes bloodshot. ¡°My 400,000 strong army, how could they not match the Zhou? I must have read it wrong!¡± His voice dropped to a mutter, a near-frantic edge creeping in. This was the foundation of his Qing Dynasty, a force built over decades. How could they lose nearly 70% in a single battle? He clutched the letter, his pupils dilating as he read it over and over, every figure on the page like a knife twisting into his heart. Two hundred thousand lost. Each casualty was a cut to his soul. He began to tremble, his face ashen, eyes bloodshot and fixed on the letter. His hand instinctively reached for his chest. The Empress Fu Cha leaned close, concern etched on her face. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Before she could finish, Qianlong spat out a mouthful of blood, his vision darkening. He collapsed sideways, and the Empress let out a scream. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng, Yin Jishan, and the other ministers widened their eyes in shock. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Great Zhou ¨C Council Hall ¡°Your Majesty, a victory report! A victory report!¡± A guard stumbled in, clutching a letter. The gathered ministers looked up in surprise. A report of victory? So soon? Wu Zhao, seated on the dragon throne, looked intrigued, her phoenix eyes glimmering. Shangguan Wan¡¯er quickly stepped forward, opened the letter. After a quick glance, her normally composed face lit up. ¡°Your Majesty, General Heichi reports that our army has annihilated 200,000 enemy troops, captured 80,000 and completely destroyed the Iron Pagoda Army.¡± A collective gasp rippled through the hall. Zhangjia Agui had been completely crippled. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and the others exchanged gleeful glances. Great Zhou had achieved a glorious victory. Even Wu Zhao¡¯s usually cold expression softened with a smile. ¡°Good, good, good,¡± the Empress repeated, her excitement apparent. Shangguan Wan¡¯er handed her the letter, and Wu Zhao examined it, noting the detailed descriptions of the battle. Her curiosity piqued as her gaze shifted to Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, when did you send a strategy bag to Heichi Changzhi? And did it contain a plan?¡± The ministers turned to Yang Yi, equally curious. They knew of his suicide squad, but this plan was unexpected. Wei Yuanzhong asked, ¡°Minister Yang, what other ingenious strategy did you give Heichi Changzhi?¡± Yang Yi replied calmly, ¡°Minister Wei, you give me too much credit. It was a simple trick.¡± ¡°I merely suggested that Heichi Changzhi tie explosives to the Qing prisoners and send them toward the Qing camp. The Qing army, unfamiliar with our explosives, likely wouldn¡¯t be suspicious seeing their comrades returning. Once the prisoners neared the camp, we¡¯d use flaming arrows to ignite the explosives; turning them all into minced meat. That¡¯s all.¡± The hall fell silent. Wei Yuanzhong¡¯s scalp tingled. Why had he even asked? Yang Yi¡¯s strategies were never simple. Xu Jingzong and others looked aghast. Using prisoners as walking bombs against their own army? Only Yang Yi could conceive such a plan. The ministers shivered, imagining the carnage Yang Yi¡¯s strategy had caused. No wonder he was feared as Minister Yang. If there was even a hint of humanity in his methods, it wasn¡¯t his style. Wu Zhao¡¯s lips parted slightly in astonishment. Yang Yi¡¯s ¡°simple trick¡± was far more brutal than she had imagined. After a moment, Wu Zhao turned thoughtful. ¡°Heichi Changzhi suggests we press the advantage. What is your counsel, Minister Yang?¡± Yang Yi replied without hesitation. ¡°Now is the time, Your Majesty. The enemy has suffered catastrophic losses, and their morale is at rock bottom. The Qing Dynasty is weakened. We should strike while the iron is hot, capturing more cities to consolidate our gains.¡± Wu Zhao nodded in agreement. ¡­ One Month Later Heichi Changzhi captured fifteen Qing cities in rapid succession, his forces sweeping through like a hot knife through butter. The Qing Dynasty reeled in despair. If not for Qianlong¡¯s desperate recall of all troops to defend, they might have lost even more territory. Eventually, the two armies reached a stalemate, but the devastation had already made its mark. Yang Yi¡¯s reputation as a ruthless strategist spread, astonishing nations far and wide. It had been a decade since such a fierce battle shook the world. ¡­ Great Ming ¡°Good, good, good,¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s weathered eyes sparkled with admiration. ¡°No wonder Yang Yi isn¡¯t afraid of provoking Qianlong. He planned it all. This explosive must have been his doing. ¡°I¡¯d heard the Qing Dynasty had black powder, but its power was limited. Yet Yang Yi has created something far more potent. The man is a genius.¡± Chapter 71 Chapter 71 Zhu Biao¡¯s expression was tense. Through the Brocade Guards¡¯ intelligence network, he had learned how the enemy had achieved victory. A shiver ran down his spine as he muttered, ¡°His methods are beyond ruthless. The explosives were powerful, but they couldn¡¯t reach the enemy on their own, so he had his own men carry them to detonate themselves. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Even if the first to die were condemned prisoners, the next were all soldiers. Trading life for life¡ªthat¡¯s too merciless.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head. ¡°Ruthless, perhaps, but effective. Didn¡¯t you see how devastatingly the Qing suffered, caught completely off guard? Fortunately, it was the Qing who faced this. Had it been one of our own nations, we would have suffered greatly in this battle.¡± A hint of lamentation coloured his tone. Zhu Biao nodded, still absorbing the shock. Yang Yi¡¯s explosives had appeared too suddenly, without warning; they were truly impossible to defend against. Paired with his insidious strategy of using men as carriers to trade lives, it was unbelievably treacherous. If the Qing hadn¡¯t borne the brunt of this, any one of them might have. ¡­ In the Great Tang, silence blanketed the Imperial Hall. Changsun Wuji and the others sat in stunned silence, while Li Shimin looked around, shock evident in his eyes. ¡°What a brilliant ¡®lure the snake from its hole¡¯ strategy¡­¡± he murmured. ¡°At first, we believed that after provoking Qianlong, Yang Yi would surely fail. Unexpectedly, he was fully prepared. ¡°A hidden explosive weapon, along with a group of fearless soldiers, managed to inflict over seventy percent casualties on the Qing army, which vastly outnumbered his own. Such a genius is truly a formidable enemy for our Great Tang.¡± Li Jing¡¯s expression was one of disbelief. ¡°The Qing army suffered such a crushing defeat, beaten by Yang Yi¡¯s strategies from thousands of miles away.¡± Changsun Wuji shook his head bitterly. ¡°We truly underestimated him.¡± Fang Xuanling stroked his beard, shock etched on his face. ¡°This young man is only twenty years old, yet his cunning runs so deep.¡± Du Ruhui sighed. ¡°Qianlong likely thought he had victory within his grasp. Yang Yi¡¯s tactics are unspeakably ruthless, using people to carry explosives to their deaths. No one would ever think to guard against something like this.¡± ¡°And the power of the explosives is immense,¡± Fang Xuanling added. ¡°Once those explosive carriers reached the camp, it would collapse in moments. Zhangjia Agui¡¯s defeat was inevitable.¡± Li Jing continued, ¡°Thankfully, it was the Qing who clashed with the Zhou first. Otherwise, Yang Yi¡¯s cunning would have caught anyone off guard. If our Great Tang had faced the Zhou, the consequences would have been unimaginable.¡± The officials nodded, a chill of fear spreading through them. Unwillingly, they felt a trace of gratitude toward the Qing for shouldering the first blow. ¡­ Great Qin. ¡°How is this possible?¡± Li Si¡¯s voice shook. ¡°The Qing Empire was defeated so devastatingly?¡± Feng Quji, Wang Wan, and the others sat motionless, their scalps tingling. None could believe it. With such unfavourable conditions, the entire court had thought the Qing would crush the Zhou¡ªperhaps even decimate them. No one had anticipated that Yang Yi¡¯s dark tactics would decimate the Qing army, turning the tide completely. ¡°Is he even human?¡± Li Si shook his head, a chill running down his spine. ¡°Yang Yi¡¯s strategy is ruthless, sending people to carry explosives to their deaths. No wonder the Qing army was defeated. Such brutal tactics go against the natural order.¡± ¡°Only he could conceive of such cruelty,¡± Wang Wan added, a bitter smile on his face. ¡°He used the survival instincts of prisoners, who then ran back to their own camp with explosives, inflicting unprecedented damage on their own army. The Qing soldiers never expected that the deadliest blow would come from their own ranks rather than the enemy.¡± Feng Quji sighed. ¡°The most insidious part is yet to come. With this strategy of prisoner bombs now known to all nations, the Zhou generals have a terrifying advantage. From now on, whenever Zhou generals release prisoners toward an enemy camp¡­ ¡°The enemy camps will never dare to let them approach, even if they carry no explosives.¡± A deathly silence filled the room as the officials processed this chilling consequence. ¡°Ultimately, their own soldiers will have to shoot desperate comrades with arrows.¡± Li Si and the others fell silent, unable to suppress a lingering fear. Ying Zheng¡¯s expression grew complex. He sighed softly. ¡°This person is indeed remarkable. You all underestimated him back then. Ruthless though his strategies are, history favours the victor.¡± The ministers felt a wave of embarrassment as they remembered mocking Yang Yi¡¯s sinister tactics¡ªonly to be proven wrong. ¡­ Great Zhou. ¡°With Heichi Changzhi¡¯s report, our Great Zhou has now captured fifteen cities,¡± Wu Zhao said, her rosy lips curving into a smile, her phoenix eyes filled with joy. Xu Jingzong quickly stepped forward, bowing. ¡°Congratulations, Your Majesty. Our Great Zhou¡¯s territory has expanded, and we¡¯ve secured victory after victory. Truly, it is Your Majesty¡¯s great fortune.¡± The other officials also chimed in with their congratulations. Wu Zhao¡¯s face held a steady calm as she scanned her ministers before turning to Yang Yi. She knew well enough that her victory over the Qing was owed in great part to him. ¡°In this battle, the one deserving the highest honour is Minister Yang,¡± she declared solemnly. Yang Yi started slightly, but quickly composed himself and bowed. ¡°Your servant is here.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s tone softened. ¡°Yang Yi, for your outstanding achievements and for rescuing our nation from great perils, I grant you the title of Chancellor, the rank of Baron of Kaiguo County, and a fief of one thousand households. This is my decree.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, though he quickly bowed in gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± The ministers around him exchanged shocked glances. The Empress¡¯s favour was indeed overwhelming. The official system of the Zhou Kingdom was divided into three departments and six ministries, much like the structure of the Tang Dynasty. The highest-ranking officials in these departments included the Chancellor¡ª Zhongshuling, the Chief Minister¡ªShangshuling, and the Minister of the Secretariat¡ªMenxia Shizhong. The Minister of the Secretariat, also known as the Left Chancellor, wielded considerable influence and power. With his new title of Left Chancellor, Yang Yi now stood on equal footing with Xu Jingzong, the Chancellor, and Wei Yuanzhong, the Chief Minister. His youth, especially in comparison to the more senior Xu Jingzong and Wei Yuanzhong, made this achievement even more astounding. He was now to be addressed as Chancellor Yang. Under the Empress¡¯s favour, Yang Yi had risen to become one of the most prominent figures in the Zhou court, even earning the respect of officials as seasoned as Xu Jingzong and Wei Yuanzhong. Beyond his political standing, his noble rank had also ascended, advancing from County Earl to County Duke, along with a fief of one thousand households. While a thousand households might seem modest, such a privilege was traditionally reserved for royals. The Empress¡¯s decision to grant this honour to Yang Yi was a clear testament to her immense favour. Everyone watched with a mixture of awe and envy; his rise was nothing short of meteoric! Chapter 72 Chapter 72: Wu Mingyue¡¯s Kiss! The triumphant victory of Great Zhou spread swiftly across the nation, the news carried by the Great Zhou Bao. This time, Yang Yi¡¯s reputation as a brilliant strategist was firmly established¡ªnot just among the elite but throughout all of Great Zhou. The people now realized that they had a remarkable genius among them. In Luoyang, the streets buzzed with talk of Yang Yi. Enthusiastic citizens compared him to the most renowned strategists across the lands, while stories of his past deeds¡ªlike disaster relief and outsmarting grain merchants¡ªresurfaced, astonishing those previously unaware of his accomplishments. ¡­ Great Zhou¡ªShu Yu Palace. ¡°, so it was Prime Minister Yang¡­¡±, Wu Mingyue blinked her bright eyes and smiled sweetly. Today, she wore a light green lotus leaf dress with a golden phoenix hairpin. Her long black hair flowed smoothly down her back, and her full chest stretched the dress, revealing a large area of pale, tender skin. The green fabric accentuated her delicate, smooth skin, resembling a peeled egg. Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked at her. Has she grown up a bit more? He thought, He estimated that she was at least a C+ now. In a few more years, wouldn¡¯t she be too much to handle with one hand? ¡°Your Highness, you are flattering me¡­¡± Wu Mingyue pouted, widening her eyes playfully. ¡°So, tell me¡ªwhere do you come up with all these crafty ideas? I thought you looked so honest, yet here you are, surprising me with all these schemes. Truly, you can¡¯t judge a book by its cover.¡± Yang Yi looked at her breast and instinctively wanted to retort. When she wore more clothes, it wasn¡¯t noticeable, but now with less clothing, it was indeed profound. However, he held back the words that came to his lips, knowing it would be blatant teasing. Hands on her hips, Wu Mingyue leaned forward, her tone more earnest. ¡°Hey, since you have so many devious tricks, can you help me think of one to deal with some people?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Is there really anyone the princess can¡¯t handle?¡± Her delicate brows furrowed. ¡°Actually, yes. There are two very, very annoying individuals I can¡¯t seem to do anything about.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Prince Liang¡ªWu Yuanqing, and Prince Wu¡ªWu Yuanshuang,¡± she replied, gritting her teeth. ¡°Wu Yuanshuang tried to hand you over to the Qing envoy in exchange for peace. When the plot was uncovered, my sister had him arrested. Then, just recently, during our father¡¯s memorial, Wu Yuanqing returned and started pressuring my sister to release Wu Yuanshuang. ¡°He claims Wu Yuanshuang acted for the good of Great Zhou and hasn¡¯t committed any grave offense. Worse, he¡¯s been using our father¡¯s last wishes as leverage.¡± She sighed. ¡°Before he passed, our father asked my sister not to harm her brothers, and out of gratitude for his decision to pass the throne to her, she¡¯s honored his wishes. But this time, she¡¯s furious. Wu Yuanqing, though, won¡¯t relent.¡± Yang Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°So, it¡¯s those two¡­¡± Back then, Prince Wu had planned to hand him over to the Qing. He hadn¡¯t even gotten his revenge yet. Seeing him deep in thought, Wu Mingyue quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have a way to deal with them properly?¡± A slight smile played on Yang Yi¡¯s lips as he caught a hint of her floral fragrance. ¡°Of course, I do.¡± Her eyes lit up. ¡°Really?¡± His smile grew. ¡°Not only can I deal with them, but I can make sure they suffer.¡± A look of surprise spread across Wu Mingyue¡¯s delicate face. ¡°That powerful?¡± Suddenly realizing who stood before her, she grew pale. ¡°Yang Yi, you can¡¯t kill them¡­ Even if my elder sister wants to deal with them, if she¡¯s marked by the crime of killing her brothers, it won¡¯t be good for her reputation. That would be a stain on her legacy forever.¡± Although she wanted to help her elder sister deal with Wu Yuanqing and Wu Yuanshuang, she had no intention of killing them. Such an act would only make things worse for her elder sister, who sought to be a wise ruler. Yang Yi¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°¡± he thought. He only said he¡¯d make them suffer, not kill them. Yang Yi chuckled softly, clearing his throat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have no intention of killing them. I only meant to make things¡­difficult for them.¡± A spark of excitement gleamed in her eyes. ¡°What method? Tell me!¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He blinked. ¡°If Your Highness gives me a kiss, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± Wu Mingyue stared at him, stunned, and then her face flushed crimson. ¡°You¡­ you¡­ scoundrel!¡± Yang Yi grinned, enjoying her reaction. Truthfully, he was only joking, finding it fun to tease her. The princess¡¯s shy side was a rare sight. But then, she suddenly leaned forward and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Yang Yi was stunned, staring at her in surprise. The princess had turned her head, clearly too embarrassed to meet his gaze, her beautiful neck tinted red. ¡°Hey¡­ you can tell me now, right?¡± He was silenced. He had expected her to be outraged and call him a scoundrel¡ªcertainly not to comply with his request. The soft sensation lingered where she¡¯d kissed him. Chapter 73 Chapter 73 Yang Yi¡¯s lips twitched. Taking a deep breath, he calmly said, ¡°The method is very simple¡­ just reward them.¡± ¡­ ¡°Reward them?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing her cold, noble face. Wu Mingyue nodded. ¡°Yes¡ªto be precise, reward their descendants.¡± Wu Zhao cast an amused glance at her. ¡°Reward their descendants? I must be crazy to reward them. And this is the method you mentioned for dealing with them? How is that dealing with them? It¡¯s clearly a reward. Enough of this nonsense¡ªgo rest.¡± Ignoring Wu Mingyue, Wu Zhao turned back to the pile of memorials on her desk. Panicking, Wu Mingyue dashed to her side, placing a hand on her arm and pouting flirtatiously. ¡°Elder sister, don¡¯t be so quick to dismiss me! Hear me out first. I really have a way to deal with them.¡± Wu Zhao looked at her helplessly. ¡°Wu Mingyue, I know your intentions, but because of my status, I can¡¯t move against them easily. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡± Wu Mingyue pouted defiantly. ¡°Elder sister, why do you always listen to Yang Yi¡¯s strategies, no matter how outrageous they are? Can¡¯t you trust your younger sister¡¯s brilliant ideas for once?¡± A hint of a smile softened Wu Zhao¡¯s expression. ¡°Don¡¯t you know why?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s playful defiance faltered. She shook Wu Zhao¡¯s arm insistently. ¡°No, no, you must listen to me!¡± Wu Zhao sighed, put down the memorial, and tilted her head slightly. ¡°Go on, then.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes lit up, and she straightened her posture proudly. ¡°Alright, listen closely¡­ the strategy is to reward their descendants, abolish primogeniture, and let their lands be inherited jointly by all sons¡ªeldest, second, third, and so forth¡ªcontinuing this practice to the third generation.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes widened, her casual demeanour giving way to deep contemplation. ¡°Abolish primogeniture? Divide the land among all sons?¡± As a clever woman, she grasped the implications quickly. Her eyebrows knitted as her fingers curled into a loose fist. ¡°The land would be divided again with each generation¡­ a prefecture reduced to the size of a county. What a cunning strategy. They won¡¯t be able to resist it.¡± Seeing her sister¡¯s reaction, Wu Mingyue grinned smugly. ¡°How about it, elder sister? Isn¡¯t my plan brilliant?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze shifted to Wu Mingyue, who was practically beaming. ¡°You didn¡¯t come up with this on your own, did you?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s face stiffened slightly. Wu Zhao smirked knowingly. ¡°As I thought.¡± Wu Mingyue quickly shook her head, her voice full of exaggerated righteousness. ¡°Of course, I did! Who else but your intelligent, beautiful, and noble third sister could think of such a brilliant plan?¡± Wu Zhao shook her head in disbelief. This third sister of hers was blissfully unaware of her own limitations. ¡°Was this Yang Yi¡¯s idea?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s confidence deflated instantly. ¡°¡­ How did you know, elder sister?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡°Anyone could see that such a strategy is beyond you. Only Yang Yi would devise something so devious.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°It was him, yes. He said it would ensure they¡¯d never have peace at home and would weaken their power. Within a few years, the court could reclaim the fiefdoms without shedding a drop of blood.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes glinted with admiration. ¡°Indeed. This strategy solves a significant issue. Those two remain a thorn in my side, refusing to rebel but growing into a looming threat. But with this method¡­ their power will diminish, consumed by internal strife. ¡°Their sons will bicker for the most fertile land, driven by equal rights to inheritance. What looks like a generous reward is actually a cunning trap.¡± Wu Mingyue huffed lightly. ¡°If Yang Yi¡¯s strategy isn¡¯t devious, then it isn¡¯t his. He even called it the ¡®Edict of Grace.¡¯ Grace? More like an edict of enmity.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curved into a sly smile. ¡°Edict of Grace¡­ an excellent name.¡± ¡­ Three days later, in the Hall of Government, Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze swept over the gathered officials. ¡°If there is no other business, the court is adjourned.¡± As the officials prepared to leave, a voice rang out. ¡°Your Majesty, this humble servant has a request.¡± Everyone paused, turning in surprise toward Yang Yi. What is Prime Minister Yang up to now? Wu Zhao remained composed. ¡°Minister Yang, speak.¡± Yang Yi stepped forward, casting a resigned glance at the Empress. It was she who had asked him to present this plan¡ªone too ruthless for her to take the initial blame for. He sighed inwardly but spoke firmly. ¡°This humble servant believes that with the expansion of Great Zhou and our growing territory, the feudal system left by the late Emperor is no longer suitable. ¡°The land of the feudal lords is limited, yet only the eldest son inherits, leaving the rest of the royal lineage without land. I propose a strategy that rewards the feudal lords while benefiting Great Zhou.¡± Confusion spread across the hall. Rewarding the feudal lords? Prince Liang¡ªWu Yuanqing; clad in his dragon-patterned robe, raised an eyebrow¡ªintrigued. Wei Yuanzhong, stroking his beard, frowned. ¡°Minister Yang, are you implying that the feudal lords¡¯ fiefs are too small and should be expanded?¡± As a trusted minister, he understood the Empress¡¯s concerns about maintaining court power. Distributing more land could upset that balance. The other officials regarded Yang Yi with complex expressions. Something seemed off about the Prime Minister today. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi met Wei Yuanzhong¡¯s wary gaze with a calm nod. ¡°Indeed, Lord Wei. I believe the current holdings of Prince Liang and Prince Wei should be adjusted. Their descendants are all of royal blood. How can they be without land? I propose that the policy be changed so all sons of the feudal lords inherit land.¡± Upon hearing this, Wu Yuanqing nodded repeatedly, feeling pleased and looking more favourably at Yang Yi. The court had defeated the Qing and acquired so much land; they should indeed distribute some to them! But why did Yang Yi suddenly speak in his favour? Could it be that he was trying to curry favour with him? Wu Yuanqing¡¯s mind raced with various speculations. The other officials were stunned. This guy is courting death. He even wants to distribute land to the sons and grandsons of the feudal lords. Isn¡¯t that just helping the feudal lords accumulate power? Everyone looked at each other in shock. What kind of madness possessed Prime Minister Yang today? Wu Zhao, still expressionless, prompted, ¡°Explain your policy in detail.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile grew, and he spoke clearly. ¡°This humble servant calls it the ¡®Edict of Grace.¡¯ It abolishes the primogeniture system and decrees that a feudal lord¡¯s land be divided equally among all his sons, extending to the third generation.¡± Chapter 74 Chapter 74: The Ancient Poison Strategy to Win Hearts! As Yang Yi finished speaking, the hall fell silent. Everyone stared at him in shock, their faces filled with disbelief. Wait, this is what he meant by giving more land to the feudal lords? They were stunned. They had thought that Yang Yi was suggesting the court grant additional land to the feudal lords after all his roundabout talk. Unexpectedly, it was still about dividing the feudal lords¡¯ own territories! By allowing all sons to inherit the feudal lord¡¯s fiefdom, it would create chaos within their households. Traditionally, only the eldest legitimate son could inherit the land, but now every descendant would receive a share. Would this not lead to infighting? Moreover, once the land was divided, each descendant would be left with only a small portion, making it easier for the court to control them in the future. Everyone gasped as the realization dawned on them. This is Yang Yi¡¯s plan! Under the guise of court rewards, he was effectively proposing the Tui¡¯en Order. This was an overt strategy to weaken the power of the feudal lords under the guise of imperial benevolence, compelling them to feel gratitude while tightening the court¡¯s grip on them. The only ones pleased by this were the descendants of the feudal lords. Even though they recognized the Tui¡¯en Order as poisoned candy, they were willing to accept it. This strategy turned the conflict between the feudal lords and the court into internal strife among the lords themselves. Meanwhile, the court would reap the benefits without needing to intervene directly. This poisonous strategy was truly an open conspiracy. Even knowing it was a ploy, the feudal lords had no choice but to swallow it. The realization sent chills down the spines of the officials as they looked at Yang Yi, who smiled serenely, exuding a cold, ruthless air. This man is truly formidable. Wu Yuanqing stood dumbfounded. Although not the sharpest, he wasn¡¯t completely ignorant. Yang Yi¡¯s proposal sounded benevolent, but it was indeed poisoned. He even suggested rewarding the feudal lords with land. In the end, it¡¯s still taking a piece from their own flesh. Clinging to a thread of hope, Wu Yuanqing bit his lip. ¡°Minister Yang, is that all there is to the Tui¡¯en Order you mentioned?¡± Yang Yi met Prince Liang¡¯s desperate gaze, his smile barely shifting. ¡°Yes, Your Highness. I have finished explaining. This Tui¡¯en Order is designed to extend the Empress¡¯s benevolence to your descendants. If Her Majesty approves, it will be an act of great imperial mercy. Does Your Highness have any other concerns?¡± The veins on Wu Yuanqing¡¯s forehead throbbed as his face turned pale. Turning abruptly to the Empress, he shouted, ¡°Your Majesty, Minister Yang¡¯s Tui¡¯en Order is unacceptable¡­¡± S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes glimmered with faint amusement. ¡°Oh? I find Minister Yang¡¯s strategy brilliant. Prince Liang, you¡¯ve often come to me with complaints about the injustice of the inheritance system, where only the eldest legitimate son inherits the fief, and the others are left with nothing. ¡°Today, I will adopt Minister Yang¡¯s strategy. From now on, Great Zhou will implement the Tui¡¯en Order. All your descendants shall inherit fiefs.¡± Wu Yuanqing felt as if his head had been struck by a hammer. If he hadn¡¯t realized that the Empress and Yang Yi were acting together, he would have been a fool. The Empress had been waiting for this moment all along. Fear gripped him as his gaze met Wu Zhao¡¯s slight smile, sending a shiver from his feet to his heart. Defeated, he bit his lip and lowered his head like a beaten dog. ¡°Your subject thanks Your Majesty for the favor.¡± The hall was silent as the officials exchanged knowing glances. If they couldn¡¯t see Yang Yi¡¯s intentions now, they were beyond help. The Empress and Yang Yi had clearly orchestrated this together. And this Tui¡¯en Order¡ªits brilliance and cruelty left them in awe. This strategy was vicious beyond belief. ¡­ Half a month later, in the Han Dynasty¡¯s capital at Ganquan Palace, the hall shimmered with black dragon patterns and bronze and jade artifacts, exuding majesty and nobility. Exquisite silk carpets adorned the floor, while a purple-bronze Qilin incense burner filled the air with a faint, pleasant aroma. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± The sound of hurried footsteps echoed as Grand Minister of Agriculture, Sang Hongyang, rushed in. A man dressed in a black, wide-sleeved dragon robe turned, his sharp features fixed in a stern expression. ¡°Sang Hongyang, why are you in such a hurry? What has happened?¡± ¡°Is there a problem with the tribute?¡± He began to worry. If there was a problem with the tribute, the Han Dynasty would be in trouble for years to come. The treasury was already running out of money. Sang Hongyang quickly replied, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s not a tribute problem; it¡¯s good news, extremely good news.¡± Liu Che was taken aback and looked at Sang Hongyang in astonishment. ¡°What good news? What is it?¡± Sang Hongyang took a deep breath. ¡°Your Majesty, there is a way to deal with these feudal lords¡­¡± Liu Che¡¯s expression changed, his eyes suddenly sharp. ¡°What did you say?¡± The Seven States Rebellion had always been a thorn in his side. Back then, Emperor Wen had renounced the state¡¯s right to mint coins, allowing local feudal lords like King Liu Pi of Wu to mine copper and mint their own money. With money, these feudal lords naturally gained the power to challenge the court. Later, his father, Emperor Jing, weakened the local feudal lords, leading to a rebellion between the lords and the court. Although the Seven States Rebellion was eventually suppressed, the feudal states remained a source of unrest for Liu Che. If there was a way to eliminate them completely, that would be ideal. But eliminating these feudal lords was no easy task. Liu Che gradually calmed down. He spoke in a deep voice. ¡°I know you are worried about the country, but right now the nation needs stability¡­ If it requires military action, it is absolutely out of the question.¡± Sang Hongyang quickly replied, ¡°Your Majesty, this plan does not require the use of troops¡­ It doesn¡¯t even require any financial, material, or human resources to deal with these feudal lords¡­¡± Liu Che¡¯s expression changed, then he became slightly angry. ¡°Are you mocking me? Without using a single soldier and without any financial or material resources, you can deal with the feudal lords? If it were that easy, how did the Seven States Rebellion happen?¡± Sang Hongyang¡¯s face was grave as he spoke seriously. ¡°Your Majesty, I would not dare¡­ This strategy is called the Tui¡¯en Order! The so-called Tui¡¯en Order abolishes the system of primogeniture in the feudal states and replaces it with a system where all sons inherit equally. ¡°In this way, the sons of the feudal lords will be sure to answer to the court and not rebel.¡± Liu Che¡¯s eyes widened with astonishment. ¡°This¡­ this¡­¡± Chapter 75 Chapter 75 Liu Che grasped the essence of the Tui¡¯en Order immediately. It was a brilliant ploy that leveraged the ambitions of the feudal lords¡¯ sons. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When a feudal lord passed away, his fiefdom would be split among all his sons, effectively fragmenting their power. Within two or three generations, these once-formidable feudal lords would be reduced to insignificance, unable to challenge the court. The strategy was as simple as it was ingenious, exploiting human nature. Since ancient times, people had resented inequality more than scarcity. Allowing only the eldest legitimate son to inherit had always been a source of discontent for the other sons. With the court¡¯s endorsement, why would they not support the new order? It was an open conspiracy, one the feudal lords could only watch as their lands were divided and reclaimed by the court. The hall fell silent. After a pause, Liu Che exhaled slowly, attempting to steady his racing thoughts. His eyes gleamed with shock and joy. ¡°An excellent strategy.¡± ¡°Sang Hongyang, did you think of this?¡± he asked, his voice laced with curiosity. Sang Hongyang shook his head with a faint smile. ¡°Your Majesty, I cannot claim credit for such a scheme. It originated from Yang Yi, the most cunning strategist of the Zhou Dynasty.¡± Liu Che¡¯s brow furrowed at the name, an inkling of familiarity tugging at him. ¡°Yang Yi¡­ the most cunning strategist of the Zhou Dynasty?¡± He knew he had heard the name before but couldn¡¯t place it. The Zhou Kingdom was distant, and news from there rarely reached the Han Dynasty. Sang Hongyang¡¯s eyes gleamed with admiration as he continued, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. He is a legendary figure in the Zhou Dynasty. I have heard that he once mixed sand with relief grain to distribute aid during a crisis.¡± ¡°What?¡± Liu Che¡¯s frown deepened, his tone critical. ¡°That sounds preposterous. Was he a treacherous minister?¡± Sang Hongyang¡¯s expression remained solemn. ¡°On the contrary, Your Majesty, he was a pillar of the Zhou Dynasty. If the relief grain had been of high quality, corrupt officials would have seized it before it reached those in need. ¡°The wealthy would also claim shares despite not needing aid. By mixing sand with the grain, Yang Yi ensured it reached the truly needy while deterring greed.¡± Liu Che¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. ¡°Wh¡ªwhat?¡± Who would have thought that such a seemingly malevolent act would actually be a stroke of brilliance? Sang Hongyang continued a glimmer of excitement in his voice. ¡°Another time, a severe drought struck Hangzhou in the Zhou Dynasty, driving up grain prices. Local merchants colluded to hoard supplies and inflate prices, making grain unaffordable for the common people. The government had no means to intervene effectively, and the populace suffered greatly.¡± Liu Che listened intently, already feeling the tension rise. ¡°And what did Yang Yi do?¡± ¡°He ordered the local government to halt their distribution of relief grain and, instead, to purchase grain at exorbitant prices,¡± Sang Hongyang explained. Liu Che¡¯s brows knit together. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that worsen the situation and cause further suffering?¡± Sang Hongyang¡¯s admiration deepened. ¡°That was precisely Yang Yi¡¯s brilliance. The outrageous prices attracted merchants from across the land, eager to profit from the high rates. ¡°When they amassed their stocks in Hangzhou, Yang Yi abruptly stopped purchasing grain and began distributing the relief supplies.¡± Liu Che¡¯s mouth fell open slightly as Sang Hongyang continued, ¡°Merchants, facing unexpected competition and high costs, found themselves unable to sustain their operations. Yang Yi negotiated with them, purchasing their grain at reduced prices, enough for them to break even and leave Hangzhou.¡± ¡°The surplus grain was then sold to the people at affordable rates, stabilizing prices within days and resolving the crisis.¡± A stunned silence engulfed the hall. ¡°Such an incredible strategy,¡± Liu Che whispered, awe-struck. ¡°This man truly deserves to serve a king.¡± He had never encountered a strategist with such audacious and effective methods. Sang Hongyang smiled knowingly. ¡°Your Majesty, are you familiar with the conflict between the Qing and Zhou dynasties?¡± Liu Che pondered briefly. ¡°I recall the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty humiliating the Zhou, leading to enmity.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Sang Hongyang nodded. ¡°At the time, the Zhou Dynasty had been weakened by disaster and had an empty treasury. It was Yang Yi who stepped forward once more.¡± ¡°And how did he secure funds for war?¡± Liu Che speculated. ¡°By soliciting donations from the nobles?¡± Sang Hongyang¡¯s smile widened. ¡°No, Your Majesty. He traveled alone to the Qing capital and acquired their funds.¡± Liu Che¡¯s eyes widened, bewildered by the audacious claim. ¡°What?¡± Sang Hongyang recounted Yang Yi¡¯s cunning scheme in detail, highlighting its sheer audacity and the Qing¡¯s eventual downfall. Liu Che was left with a mixture of shock and admiration. The court resounded with the silence of awe. Yang Yi¡¯s strategies were ruthless, and his understanding of human nature was unparalleled. Hearing of them alone made Liu Che¡¯s heart race and his palms sweat. The thought of such a mind opposing the Han Dynasty sent a chill down his spine. If Yang Yi were ever to turn against them, Liu Che knew they would face a formidable foe indeed. After a while, Sang Hongyang spoke in a deep voice, ¡°The Tui¡¯en Order I present to Your Majesty today is also a strategy of Yang Yi of the Zhou Dynasty. I believe it is an ancient, heart-winning strategy that is extremely suitable for our Han Dynasty, so I am presenting it to Your Majesty.¡± Liu Che suppressed his inner shock. ¡°You are right. No country is more suitable for the Tui¡¯en Order than our Han Dynasty. ¡°Yang Yi is truly a genius. We must keep a close eye on him in the future. If this man ever opposes our Han Dynasty, we must be extremely cautious.¡± The thought of Yang Yi¡¯s terrifying plans left him deeply shocked and filled with worry. Chapter 76 Chapter 76: The Ruthless Strategy to Destroy the Qing in One Battle? Qing Dynasty¡ªGolden Throne Hall. ¡°Rebellion, absolute rebellion!¡± Qianlong shouted, blowing his beard and glaring as he slammed his palm down on the table. His face was filled with rage. Nearby, Fu Cha, Fu Heng, and the others trembled in fear. Qianlong angrily pushed aside all the memorials in front of him. ¡°Is it just because we lost a few battles? These pedantic scholars act like the sky is falling. As long as I am here, the sky of the Qing Dynasty will not fall!¡± His chest swelled with frustration. All these memorials were reminders from the censors, criticizing his inaction over the past six months. They even brought up the initial provocation against the Zhou Dynasty to scold him. As an emperor who valued his reputation, he couldn¡¯t stand the attitude of the censors. Under normal circumstances, he would have executed all those censors with a single stroke. But the Qing Empire was indeed weakened now. No matter how many excuses Qianlong made, he couldn¡¯t hide his mistakes. If he killed all those censors now, he would surely be condemned by historians. After a while, Qianlong gritted his teeth and said, ¡°A mere Zhou Dynasty? Nianqi was too careless and lost his life, and Agui was badly beaten by Zhou¡¯s new weapons¡­¡± ¡°They are all useless, useless! This time, I will personally lead the expedition. No matter what, I must reclaim all the lost cities.¡± Fu Cha and Fu Heng were deeply shocked to hear this. Qianlong wanted to personally lead the expedition? Fu Cha quickly replied, ¡°Your Majesty, the situation on the battlefield is dangerous. How can Your Majesty personally lead the expedition with your precious life?¡± The other officials advised against it as well. Qianlong waved his hand, his face cold. He understood Fu Cha¡¯s words all too well. However, given the current situation of the Qing Dynasty, he had to take full responsibility. As the ruler of the country, he had to turn the situation around no matter what. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t the Qing Dynasty tremble with fear whenever the Zhou Dynasty was mentioned in the future? The best way to turn the situation around was to win a battle against the Zhou Dynasty. Only then could the Qing Dynasty regain their trust. But there were now too many skeptics in the court. Even the Empress Dowager had criticized him. The slander that Yang Yi had thrown at him was taking effect amidst his constant failures. Some even suggested that he abdicated in favor of the Crown Prince. This was intolerable. He desperately needed a victory to intimidate those with rebellious thoughts and reclaim the lost cities. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Qianlong calmly said, ¡°You need not persuade me anymore. I am determined to engage the Zhou Kingdom in a real battle.¡± ¡°But Your Majesty, the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s explosives are very powerful. One small mistake could be fatal¡­¡± Fu Cha sighed. Qianlong snorted coldly. ¡°Although their explosives are powerful, they are not easy to use flexibly. Otherwise, Yang Yi wouldn¡¯t have sent people carrying explosives as suicide bombers. As long as I keep my distance from them, I have a chance of defeating them. Apart from their explosives, they have no special skills. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that they didn¡¯t perform well in our various wars with the Zhou Dynasty? I grew up on horseback, traveled the world, and excelled in riding and archery. I have seen many wars and have rarely been defeated. This time will be no exception!¡± ¡­ Great Zhou. ¡°Minister Yang, did you call me urgently just to show me your fields?¡± Wu Zhao looked at the farmland in front of her, somewhat confused. A hint of helplessness appeared on her cold and noble face. Yang Yi, dressed in a purple official robe, looked even more handsome. He smiled and said, ¡°Your Majesty, this field is not ordinary. This farmland was leased by me and planted by my people.¡± The Empress gave Yang Yi a strange look. ¡°When did you start to like farming? The chief strategist of the Great Zhou likes farming? This seems completely out of place.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched as he crouched down at the edge of the field. ¡°Your Majesty, this has little to do with whether I like farming or not. These fields are planted with sweet potatoes and maize. ¡°These two crops are cold-resistant, drought-resistant, high-yielding, and can be used as staple foods. Your Majesty, look, this one mu of land can produce nearly a thousand kilograms of sweet potatoes and corn¡­¡± ¡°A thousand kilograms?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who was standing nearby, looked astonished. Wu Zhao was also surprised, somewhat stunned. ¡°Minister Yang, are you joking with me?¡± Her heart raced. No one could claim to produce one thousand kilograms per mu! Even the most prosperous Qing dynasty couldn¡¯t achieve such a yield. Yang Yi chuckled. ¡°Your Majesty, if you don¡¯t believe me, these sweet potatoes and corn are already ripe. Have the tenants harvest and weigh them, and you¡¯ll see.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes sparkled as she nodded eagerly. If there was grain that could yield a thousand kilograms per mu, it would be a divine gift to her. Two hours later. ¡°Reporting to Minister Yang, the sweet potatoes weigh about 1060 kilograms, and the corn weighs 986 kilograms,¡± a tenant respectfully reported to Yang Yi. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°I understand. You have done well. There will be a generous reward for you later. You may go now.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The tenant left happily. Yang Yi then turned to the astonished Empress and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, wasn¡¯t I right? These sweet potatoes and maize are high-yielding crops. If used properly, they can produce a thousand kilograms per mu. If these crops are widely used, our Great Zhou will not suffer so much during droughts in the future.¡± Wu Zhao suppressed her inner excitement, her phoenix eyes shining. ¡°I will have the Ministry of Finance take care of this matter immediately. These sweet potatoes and corn are extremely important.¡± Yang Yi nodded with a smile. With these sweet potatoes and corn, fewer people would starve in times of famine. Just then, the sound of hoofbeats echoed. A carriage appeared in front of them and slowly stopped beside them. Zhang Jianzhi lifted the curtain and jumped out. ¡°Your Majesty, Qianlong is personally leading the expedition!¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback, somewhat astonished. ¡°Personally leading the expedition?¡± She thought for a moment. ¡°Let¡¯s return to the palace.¡± Chapter 77 Chapter 77 Qianyuan Hall. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Wei Yuanzhong presented the memorial. ¡°This is information from our scouts. Qianlong has reorganized nearly five hundred thousand elite troops and is preparing to declare war on Great Zhou to reclaim the lost territories of the Qing Kingdom¡­¡± Wu Zhao nodded slightly, taking the secret report and studying it in silence. ¡°This man is truly audacious. Send my decree to Heichi Changzhi¡­¡± ¡°I will grant him an additional one hundred thousand soldiers. He must defend our territory.¡± The ministers nodded, their faces composed, reflecting the confidence they had gained from the recent wars against the Qing Dynasty. With the power of explosives on their side, they felt secure. What was there to fear from Qianlong? After the troop deployment was settled, Wu Zhao turned her gaze to Yang Yi and smiled before addressing the ministers. ¡°Minister Yang has discovered a grain type that can yield one thousand kilograms per mu. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to inspect it.¡± A thousand kilograms per mu? The ministers gasped, their eyes darting to Yang Yi with astonishment. ¡­ A month later in Great Zhou; Luoyang. The weather had turned colder, and people had begun donning thick clothing. ¡°Hey, have you heard of sweet potatoes and corn?¡± ¡°Of course. The Empress has ordered their widespread planting.¡± ¡°This claims they yield a thousand kilograms per mu.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Who knows for sure? It sounds too good to be true.¡± ¡°Our land is limited. If we plant sweet potatoes and corn, we can¡¯t plant other crops.¡± ¡°Heh, I heard from the Yamen that planting them next year means lower taxes.¡± ¡°Lower taxes? Well, in that case, I¡¯ll plant them too¡­¡± ¡­ The court¡¯s month-long public campaign worked. While many doubted the claim of such high yields, the promise of tax relief persuaded some to give it a try. Encouraging the masses to plant new crops was not easy; their livelihoods were at stake. Wu Zhao understood this well, so the tax reduction policy was implemented to mitigate resistance. On the busy streets of Luoyang, discussions of sweet potatoes and corn were common. Suddenly, the pounding of hooves echoed through the street. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Is that a war horse?¡± ¡°Yes, it looks urgent. Is there trouble at the front?¡± ¡­ Qianyuan Hall. ¡°Your Majesty, as the weather turns colder, an outbreak of smallpox has begun. In the past month, ten bodies have already been found in Luoyang alone, and there are likely more deaths in other regions¡­¡± Xu Jingzong¡¯s brow was deeply furrowed, his expression grave. Wu Zhao¡¯s face clouded. ¡°This year¡¯s outbreak seems severe¡­¡± The ministers¡¯ concern was palpable. Smallpox was a deadly and feared disease; status meant nothing once infected, and survival was up to fate. Wei Yuanzhong, stroking his beard, spoke solemnly. ¡°Your Majesty, while smallpox has not yet reached crisis levels throughout Great Zhou, it is showing signs of spreading¡­¡± ¡°We must act promptly.¡± Nods and murmurs of agreement followed. Wu Zhao sighed inwardly. Even as the supreme ruler, combating smallpox was daunting. Every outbreak claimed thousands, sometimes millions of lives. Her delicate fingers massaged her temples. Great Zhou had faced relentless challenges over the past two years. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her eyes instinctively found Yang Yi among the ministers. He stood there, deep in thought. She hesitated, almost asking him if he had a solution for the plague. But she quickly stopped herself. Yang Yi was brilliant, a rare talent indeed, but he was no doctor. To expect him to solve the mystery of smallpox was unreasonable. This was the domain of physicians, who had struggled for centuries without success. Wu Zhao took a breath and gave her orders. ¡°Instruct local governments to establish quarantine zones immediately. Isolate the infected to prevent further spread.¡± The ministers nodded, knowing well that isolation was the only measure against smallpox since ancient times. Once infected, fate decided the outcome. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. ¡°Your Majesty, urgent news from the front¡­¡± A dust-covered rider burst in, panting and bowing respectfully. The room grew tense. Trouble at the front? Shangguan Wan¡¯er swiftly took the report from the messenger and handed it to the Empress. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes skimmed the report, her frown deepening with each line. After a moment, she spoke gravely. ¡°We have suffered several defeats at the front. The situation is now unfavourable for Great Zhou.¡± Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room. Xu Jingzong was the first to speak. ¡°Your Majesty, how is this possible? Even if our forces are outnumbered, we have explosives. We should at least be able to hold our ground¡­¡± The ministers echoed his disbelief. Wu Zhao¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Though we have explosives, their use is limited. Our soldiers must sacrifice themselves to deliver them effectively, and the Qing army has found a countermeasure. ¡°They use vehicle-mounted long spears, about ten feet long, as makeshift shields to stop our suicide bombers. Even if the front line falls, those behind remain safe. This strategy blocks our attacks.¡± The room fell silent, faces turning grim. Yang Yi broke the silence. ¡°It is no surprise that the Qing army found a solution. Suicide bombers are effective only as a surprise. Once the enemy adapts, it becomes harder to break through. Moreover, we cannot sustain the loss of life required for such attacks.¡± The ministers nodded. Xu Jingzong¡¯s voice was heavy. ¡°With the enemy prepared, what is our next step? We are outnumbered, and Qianlong is leading his best troops.¡± Everyone¡¯s expression was solemn. After all, Great Zhou was a small country. Unlike the Qing Dynasty, which, even after losing nearly half its troops, could still mobilise a large number of elite soldiers, Great Zhou lacked the same resources and manpower. Without the effectiveness of explosives, it would be difficult for them to compete with such a powerful adversary. Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze once again found Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s confident bearing brought her a sense of calm. He stepped forward. ¡°Your Majesty, I have a plan that could strike the enemy from a thousand miles away and perhaps end this conflict in one battle. But¡­ this plan carries a great moral weight and is perilous for both Heaven and mankind¡­¡± Chapter 78 Chapter 78: A Poisonous Plot Affecting Millions of Lives! The hall fell silent. Outside, the winter chill was biting, but within the heated hall, there should have been warmth. Yet now, a piercing cold filled the air, and every face turned toward Yang Yi, astonishment and trepidation in their eyes. They knew well that Yang Yi, Great Zhou¡¯s renowned Poison Expert, had devised many ruthless schemes before. Though his tactics were often labeled inhumane, none had ever crossed this line. But now he spoke of a plan that he, of all people, deemed ¡°too against the will of Heaven¡± and ¡°too inhuman.¡± It made everyone shudder with dread. Just how evil must this scheme be? A chill ran down their spines as they exchanged uneasy glances. Shangguan Wan¡¯er pressed her lips together, her gaze locked on Yang Yi, with surprise and caution clear in her eyes. For Yang Yi to call any plan too inhuman meant it was indeed sinister to the core. Wu Zhao, the Empress, sat silently, pondering for a moment before speaking slowly. ¡°This must be the Qing Dynasty¡¯s last desperate attempt. If we win, we can overlook the losses suffered thus far. But if we lose, they will not spare us¡­ Prime Minister Yang, what is your plan? Speak freely.¡± Although she knew that Yang Yi¡¯s plans were often ruthless, she could not accept the idea of Great Zhou¡ªhaving just expanded their territory¡ªnow facing the possibility of losing all they had gained and even confronting a mortal threat. Every gaze shifted to Yang Yi. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and the other ministers instinctively furrowed their brows, their faces drawn in concentration. A plan that made Yang Yi cautious was certain to be formidable. Yang Yi smiled faintly under their scrutinizing stares. ¡°Everyone, there is no need to be so tense. This plan targets our enemies, not ourselves.¡± The hall remained quiet, as each person knew that Yang Yi¡¯s schemes had a way of unsettling even the bystanders. Yang Yi then bowed to the Empress. ¡°Your Majesty, my plan involves the use of smallpox.¡± The room froze. Smallpox? Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°You plan to use smallpox?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Yes. The enemy¡¯s forces far outnumber ours. Without extreme measures, they will continue to harass us endlessly. But there is a unique solution.¡± The atmosphere grew heavier as Yang Yi explained, ¡°We can collect the pus from smallpox-infected patients and smear it on our weapons and arrows. When our soldiers strike the enemy, they will infect them. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Smallpox will spread through their ranks, crippling their army. We may not even need to lift a finger; their forces could be decimated by the disease alone.¡± An intense silence fell over the hall, so profound that even the slightest breath could be heard. Faces paled, and they stared at Yang Yi as if he were a madman. The very mention of it brought shivers. The disease was untreatable and universally feared. And now, Yang Yi proposed using it as a weapon. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly in disbelief. Even with her mental preparation, she had not expected such a drastic strategy. Her heart trembled with unease. Shangguan Wan¡¯er, standing nearby, was equally stunned, her face mirroring the hall¡¯s atmosphere of shock and dread. After a long pause, Zhang Jianzhi managed to swallow and speak. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, smallpox is highly contagious. If we smear our weapons with it, won¡¯t our own soldiers be at risk of infection?¡± The other ministers nodded, realizing the danger of such a strategy backfiring and harming their own forces. Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze turned sharp. ¡°Yang Yi, wouldn¡¯t this result in excessive casualties among our own soldiers?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes gleamed with confidence. ¡°Your Majesty, what if I told you I have a way to ensure that our soldiers remain safe from smallpox?¡± A stunned silence filled the room. If anyone else had claimed such a thing, they would have been met with ridicule. But Yang Yi was not just anyone. synonymous with death, had plagued humanity for centuries. And now, Yang Yi claimed he could guarantee immunity? Wei Yuanzhong stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, while I trust your dedication to the Great Zhou, smallpox has long been an incurable plague. Are you certain you can control it?¡± Xu Jingzong and others nodded, their expressions a mix of doubt and concern. Yang Yi remained calm. ¡°Lord Wei, I never propose anything I am not confident about. The problem persisted because no one approached it from the right perspective. But now that I am here, rest assured, smallpox will not be an issue for us.¡± His words left the room in stunned silence. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes held a glimmer of hope. ¡°Yang Yi, what is this method you propose?¡± Yang Yi looked around the hall. ¡°Have you noticed that those who survive smallpox never contract it again?¡± The officials exchanged glances. Xu Jingzong, recalling past outbreaks, nodded slowly. ¡°Ten years ago, our Great Zhou had a smallpox outbreak, which I was in charge of. Prime Minister Yang is right; those who survived the disease seemed immune afterward.¡± Yang Yi continued, ¡°Precisely. When smallpox infects a person, the body creates a resistance to it. But the disease is too potent, and many cannot withstand it, dying in the process. ¡°My method is to use a milder virus, cowpox, to inoculate our troops. It is not as deadly, but it will enable their bodies to build resistance to smallpox. Once this resistance is established, our soldiers will be immune to smallpox.¡± Chapter 79 Chapter 79 Everyone looked at each other in disbelief. What Yang Yi suggested sounded reasonable, yet no one dared to try it. Smallpox was incurable once contracted. With such a deadly disease, no one could afford to be careless. Wu Zhao pondered aloud, ¡°Yang Yi, your words make sense¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°We can test my cowpox method on a few death row prisoners to see if it works.¡± Everyone was stunned, casting strange looks at Yang Yi. This man seemed to be a nemesis for death row prisoners¡ªencountering him spelled nothing but bad luck for them. ¡­ Before the assembled civil and military officials, Yang Yi had the prisoners inoculated with cowpox. ¡­ In the hall, Xu Jingzong rushed in, panting despite his age. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± he called, his voice breathless. ¡°The prisoners who were inoculated with cowpox have fully recovered! They¡¯re alive and healthy, even living among smallpox patients without showing any signs of infection!¡± ¡°What?!¡± The hall erupted with gasps, officials staring in disbelief. They could hardly believe that Yang Yi¡¯s cowpox method had actually worked. This was smallpox, a disease that had been unsolvable for thousands of years. They turned their gazes to Yang Yi in awe and amazement¡ªthis was nothing short of miraculous! Wu Zhao grasped the edge of the dragon throne, her phoenix eyes sparkling with joy. ¡°Yang Yi, it worked!¡± Even with her usual calm, she couldn¡¯t contain her excitement. This terrifying smallpox epidemic had been resolved by the Great Zhou! Her admiration for Yang Yi deepened. This minister was truly capable of anything. Yang Yi gave a slight bow, smiling. ¡°Your Majesty, now that the cowpox method has proven effective, we should proceed with the next phase of my strategy against the Qing.¡± Everyone was momentarily stunned, and then a chill spread through the hall as they remembered the ruthlessness of Yang Yi¡¯s plan. Wu Zhao hesitated before nodding. ¡°Though it is cruel, they are our enemies.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile remained. ¡°Exactly. They have only themselves to blame for opposing the Great Zhou. ¡°We will collect more pus and vaccinate our soldiers. Once fully protected, they can take smallpox-infected materials to the battlefield and deliver them to the enemy.¡± A shiver ran through the room. Those who provoked Yang Yi truly had dreadful luck. His strategy was beyond ruthless. Zhang Jianzhi suddenly spoke up. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, wouldn¡¯t this spread smallpox to Qing civilians as well?¡± The hall fell silent. Faces grew somber as everyone recognized the grim implications. Smallpox was mercilessly contagious; if they infected the Qing soldiers, the civilians would inevitably suffer, too. Yang Yi¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Yes, the civilians will likely be infected. However, as part of our plan, we will offer them an alternative. If they surrender their cities to the Great Zhou, we¡¯ll vaccinate them against smallpox using the cowpox method. ¡°If they resist, then let those loyal to the Qing die of the disease. Whether it claims tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands, it doesn¡¯t matter to us.¡± No wonder Yang Yi had called his own plan cruel¡ªit was inhumane. Smallpox didn¡¯t discriminate between good and bad; once infected, anyone could fall victim to it. Only the Great Zhou¡¯s chief strategist could speak of such a ruthless plan with such calmness. ¡­ Changcheng ¡°General Heichi, an urgent report from the court.¡± A soldier hurried in and respectfully handed over the report. Heichi Changzhi nodded and, despite his fatigue, opened it. One glance was enough to jolt him awake¡ªhis tiredness vanished as his eyes widened in shock. Guo Jingzhi, standing nearby, looked at him curiously. ¡°General, what¡¯s going on?¡± Heichi Changzhi managed a bitter smile. ¡°Prime Minister Yang has devised another poisonous plan to destroy the Qing¡­¡± The soldiers exchanged stunned glances. It was yet another ruthless scheme from that notorious strategist. Guo Jingzhi blinked. ¡°Prime Minister Yang¡¯s strategies may be ruthless, but they work. General, what exactly is his plan this time?¡± Heichi Changzhi gave him a strange look. ¡°Ruthless? This goes beyond ruthless; it¡¯s inhumane.¡± After a moment¡¯s silence, he continued, ¡°There¡¯s been an outbreak of smallpox in Luoyang. Prime Minister Yang has ordered the smallpox pus brought here¡ªhe wants us to smear it on our weapons and secretly infect the enemy with smallpox.¡± The room fell deathly still. Guo Jingzhi swallowed, a chill running down his spine. ¡°General, you¡¯re serious? If we use smallpox pus, won¡¯t both we and the enemy suffer?¡± Everyone shuddered, nodding in uneasy agreement. Even battle-hardened warriors feared the devastation of smallpox; not even a God of War could stand against it. Prime Minister Yang¡¯s plan was nothing short of terrifying. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Heichi Changzhi replied slowly, ¡°Prime Minister Yang has developed a method to prevent smallpox. Once vaccinated, our soldiers won¡¯t be susceptible to the disease.¡± A collective gasp filled the room. Prevent smallpox? The soldiers¡¯ minds reeled. Their Prime Minister Yang wasn¡¯t just ruthless; he was ingenious. Guo Jingzhi exhaled in relief, a faint smile forming. ¡°If we can prevent smallpox¡­ Though the strategy is ruthless, all is fair in war.¡± The soldiers nodded in agreement, their faces set with newfound resolve. Heichi Changzhi cast a strange look at Guo Jingzhi. ¡°Prime Minister Yang added that if the Qing soldiers retreat and spread smallpox among their own civilians, we will not vaccinate those civilians. The disease will run rampant unless they surrender their cities.¡± Another shiver ran through the soldiers. They all knew how contagious smallpox was. If Qing soldiers were infected, then the Qing civilians would inevitably fall victim as well. To use smallpox not just to kill enemy soldiers but to force civilians to surrender their cities? Such a plan would let them capture cities with little resistance and perhaps even reach the enemy capital! It was astoundingly ruthless. Even as seasoned soldiers, they couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill settle over them, their hair standing on end. Yang Yi¡¯s plan could cost hundreds of thousands¡ªeven millions¡ªof lives. No wonder he was known as the Great Zhou¡¯s foremost strategist. The Yama King himself would make way for Prime Minister Yang¡ªindeed, he was a Living Yama. Chapter 80 Chapter 80: Massive Smallpox Outbreak! Shock to the Qing Army! Great Tang ¡°Qianlong himself is leading the campaign this time¡ªlooks like he¡¯s making a desperate gamble.¡± Li Shimin stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the Qing army has found a way to counter the self-destruction tactics of Zhou¡¯s Death Soldiers. The Qing currently have the upper hand. Zhou may not be in immediate danger, but they probably can¡¯t hold on for long. What do you think¡ªshould I send a word to Yang Yi and invite him to join Great Tang? ¡°A small country like Zhou can hardly make full use of his talents. A wise bird chooses a good tree for its nest. If he is as wise as his reputation, I would gladly employ him.¡± Changsun Wuji and the others exchanged surprised glances, not expecting Li Shimin to contemplate such a move. Fang Xuanling stroked his beard, a complex expression on his narrow face. ¡°Your Majesty, this top strategist of Great Zhou is unlikely to betray his Empress so easily¡­ After all, she personally raised him to his current position.¡± Changsun Wuji added quickly, ¡°Indeed, Your Majesty. Besides, a strategist like Yang Yi¡ªwith such a cunning mind¡ªif he can betray Zhou today, he could betray Great Tang tomorrow. Please reconsider.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s talent was undeniable, but some ministers harbored concerns. If Yang Yi joined, where would it leave room for their own advancement? Opportunities for merit were scarce enough as it was. Li Shimin sighed, a touch of regret in his voice. ¡°You¡¯re right. He is an unparalleled genius¡ªa pity he isn¡¯t in Great Tang; it¡¯s a waste for him to be in a smaller state. But if he dies at Qianlong¡¯s hands, at least I can accept that.¡± The ministers nodded, agreeing. Even if they couldn¡¯t gain a talent like Yang Yi, they could certainly keep him from serving their rivals. ¡­ Great Ming ¡°Father, the Qing have mobilized all their forces and hold the advantage for now. Qianlong seems determined to crush Zhou this time¡­¡± Zhu Biao remarked thoughtfully. Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled. ¡°Perfect. We¡¯ll watch from the sidelines, and as soon as Zhou falters, we¡¯ll send Lan Yu to seize Qianlong¡¯s territories. This opportunity is too good to pass up!¡± Zhu Biao blinked in surprise, realizing his father had already calculated their next move. ¡­ Great Qin ¡°Your Majesty, Qianlong has committed all the Qing¡¯s resources against Zhou. Shall we take advantage and send troops to carve up Zhou?¡± Li Si suggested gravely. Ying Zheng was silent for a moment before replying, ¡°Let¡¯s wait a bit longer¡­ Although Zhou is at a disadvantage, I doubt Yang Yi is without a plan.¡± Li Si was taken aback but acquiesced. He remained skeptical¡ªeveryone could see the Qing were pressing Zhou hard, and even Zhou¡¯s explosives had been neutralized. How could Yang Yi possibly turn the tide? He thought it wiser to strike now and claim territory before others could interfere. ¡­ Half a Month Later Qing Army Camp ¡°Your Majesty, for the past half month, the Zhou forces have remained behind their walls. It seems they fear our strength,¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng reported respectfully. Qianlong, clad in soft golden armor, looked regal and commanding. Stroking his beard, he allowed a cold smile to surface. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say? As long as we keep their explosives at bay, these Zhou troops are powerless with their inferior numbers. We hold the advantage, and soon enough, their city will be ours.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded with admiration. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s strategic foresight is unmatched.¡± Qianlong laughed heartily, his previous frustrations with Yang Yi¡¯s tricks momentarily forgotten. His gaze sharpened. ¡°This time, I will crush Zhou¡¯s spirit and show them the power of the Qing. If only Yang Yi were here; I would savour the chance to make him suffer!¡± Resentment flashed in his eyes. Yang Yi, the strategist who had humiliated him time and again, was now his most despised enemy. He would relish the chance to break him. Just then¡­ A soldier rushed in, panting. ¡°Your Majesty, Zhou troops have been spotted five li away from our camp.¡± The atmosphere shifted. Qianlong narrowed his eyes, sneering. ¡°So, the Zhou finally dare to face us after hiding like turtles for half a month? ¡°Very well. Let them witness the strength of the Qing cavalry. Fu Heng, give the orders: mobilize all forces and prepare for battle!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng saluted, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ Five Li from the Qing Camp ¡°General, the Qing forces have spotted us and are advancing quickly. They¡¯re now less than one li away,¡± a scout reported. Heichi Changzhi¡¯s expression was hard as he ran a hand over the scab on his arm, inoculated with cowpox two weeks prior. He spoke with quiet authority, ¡°Follow my orders. Release the arrows immediately!¡± Guo Jingzhi responded, ¡°Yes, General.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moments later, as the Qing soldiers closed in, the Zhou forces loosed a volley of arrows. Qianlong scoffed, ¡°Raise your shields.¡± The Qing soldiers complied, forming a defensive wall. The arrow volley caused only minimal injuries, and Qianlong laughed disdainfully. ¡°Is this all? They¡¯re truly at the end of their rope.¡± But then, a battle cry rang out in the distance. Qianlong¡¯s gaze darkened with anger. ¡°Perfect timing. Fu Heng, show them the strength of our cavalry.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng immediately led a light cavalry charge toward the Zhou forces. After a short skirmish, Fu Cha Fu Heng returned to Qianlong, his expression uneasy. Qianlong raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is it finished?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng smiled wryly. ¡°The Zhou troops were cunning; they set traps that injured some of our soldiers. Then, after a short clash, they withdrew¡­¡± ¡°Withdrew?¡± Qianlong¡¯s face was a mixture of shock and irritation. ¡°They retreated just like that? What kind of battle tactic is this?¡± He clenched his teeth, feeling frustrated. ¡°Cowards¡­ Ignore them. Back to camp!¡± The soldiers obeyed, though the mood was mixed with confusion and frustration. ¡­ Two Hours Later The night had fallen, bringing with it a biting wind. In the Qing camp, the chill seemed to seep through every tent. Chapter 81 Chapter 81 Qianlong had just gone to bed, accompanied by two maids. Typically, women were not permitted in the camp, but as emperor, he had special privileges. He had just drifted off to sleep when the sudden sound of battle jolted him awake. Startled, Qianlong jumped to his feet. An enemy attack! He quickly dressed and rushed outside. ¡°Your Majesty, the Zhou army is attacking us in the night!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng reported, his face dark with concern. Qianlong¡¯s anger flared. ¡°Cowards and tricksters! Where are the Iron Pagoda¡¯s troops? Mobilize the soldiers and surround them!¡± He could barely contain his fury at the brazen night raid. Fu Cha Fu Heng responded with a solemn nod. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Half an hour later¡­ ¡°Your Majesty, the Zhou army has retreated.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng returned, out of breath. Qianlong stared at him, bewildered. ¡°They ran away again? Are these Zhou troops only here to harass us?¡± He took a steadying breath, his chest tight with frustration. ¡°Return to camp!¡± In the days that followed, the Zhou army continued to harass the Qing forces, retreating each time Qianlong attempted to engage in full battle. After several such encounters, Qianlong¡¯s irritation mounted. ¡­ Inside the Qing camp¡­ ¡°Idiots, all of them!¡± Qianlong shouted, his eyes bloodshot with rage. ¡°What are they trying to accomplish? Are they just here to torment me?¡± The officials in the tent exchanged looks of confusion. It didn¡¯t make sense to them either¡ªthis constant harassment wasn¡¯t damaging the Qing forces, only wasting time. Fu Cha Fu Heng frowned in thought. This didn¡¯t seem like Zhou¡¯s usual style. Just then¡­ Hurried footsteps approached. ¡°Your Majesty, urgent news!¡± A general stumbled into the tent, sweat pouring down his forehead. Everyone turned to him, puzzled by his expression of horror. Qianlong, still agitated, glared. ¡°Why are you panicking? Did the Zhou army attack again?¡± The general swallowed hard. ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s not the Zhou army¡­ Someone in our camp has contracted smallpox!¡± The tent fell silent. Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What? Smallpox?¡± There was a hint of dread in his voice. Smallpox was no trivial illness. His great-grandfather had barely survived it and bore the scars for life. A murmur of fear rippled through the tent. Smallpox did not discriminate between noble and commoner; it was often deadly, and the thought of it sent a chill through the soldiers. After a tense pause, Fu Cha Fu Heng regained his composure. ¡°Your Majesty, we should assess the situation.¡± Qianlong, finally steadying himself, clenched his jaw. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± The memory of his great-grandfather¡¯s pockmarked face cast a dark shadow over him. If he contracted smallpox, it could mean the end. One incense stick¡¯s time later¡­ Qianlong, accompanied by his generals, arrived at a tent hastily marked off for isolation. Standing outside, he heard the painful groans within. His legs felt weak. A military doctor approached him with a grave expression. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Qianlong seized on a faint hope. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s smallpox? Could it be another disease with similar symptoms?¡± The doctor shook his head grimly. ¡°Your Majesty, I have practiced medicine my entire life. The symptoms¡ªfever, headaches, back pain, extreme fatigue, and now blisters and pustules¡ªare unmistakable. This is definitely smallpox.¡± The tent fell silent once more. Qianlong¡¯s face tensed, his hand gripping his robes. ¡°Isolate the infected immediately. No one is to approach them.¡± The soldiers responded in unison, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± The next morning, just before dawn, Qianlong was roused from restless sleep by urgent voices. He gritted his teeth as footsteps grew nearer. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng burst into the tent, visibly anxious. Qianlong held back his irritation. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°What now?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng, drenched in sweat, answered, ¡°Nearly two hundred more people have contracted smallpox¡­¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Two hundred more cases?¡± He gritted his teeth. ¡°Isolate them at once!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng shook his head, frustration clear on his face. ¡°We¡¯ve been isolating them as quickly as possible, but¡­ what are we to do with so many infected?¡± Qianlong¡¯s agitation deepened. ¡°Besides leaving them to fate, what else can we do? Investigate immediately¡ªhow could the infection spread so widely in our camp?¡± In the close quarters of the army, an outbreak was difficult to control. If too many soldiers were infected, disaster would follow. Qianlong¡¯s face grew increasingly grim as he pounded the table in frustration. Half a day later, the Zhou army attacked once again. Qianlong fumed, livid at their relentless nuisance. Yet when he sent his forces to engage, the Zhou troops retreated just as quickly. Over the following half-month, conditions in the Qing camp worsened. ¡°Your Majesty, the number of smallpox cases keeps rising. We now have over 36,000 infected soldiers, and that number is likely to double soon.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng was visibly pale, and the generals around him looked stricken. The spread was overwhelming. Morale plummeted; even Qianlong was terrified. He couldn¡¯t afford to risk his own life here. Qianlong pressed his temples, struggling to remain calm. ¡°We¡¯ve isolated each case immediately¡­ yet the infections persist. Why?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng¡¯s expression shifted as he pondered. ¡°Your Majesty, since we set out, we haven¡¯t come into contact with outsiders, except during battles with the Zhou forces. Wait a moment¡­¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Could the Zhou troops have infected us?¡± The officials exchanged horrified glances. Yes, they had been fine at first. But ever since those strange encounters with the Zhou army, smallpox had appeared in their ranks. Qianlong¡¯s face twisted in realization, his chest heaving with anger. ¡°Could it be that the Zhou only engaged us to spread the disease?¡± A horrified gasp rippled through the tent. This strategy was as ruthless as it was insidious. The more Qianlong thought about it, the more sense it made. Who else could have brought smallpox into their camp in this remote wilderness? ¡°It must be. This has Yang Yi¡¯s mark all over it. No one else would be so despicable!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng¡¯s face was grim. ¡°But Your Majesty, if Zhou did bring the disease, wouldn¡¯t they risk infecting themselves as well?¡± Qianlong clenched his fists, lost for words. Just then, a guard entered the tent hurriedly. ¡°Your Majesty, the Zhou army has sent word. They claim to have a cure for smallpox¡ªand are willing to share it if¡­ if Your Majesty surrenders with the troops.¡± Everyone inhaled sharply. It was Zhou, without a doubt. A chill swept through the tent, seeping into the soldiers¡¯ bones like venom from a snake. This strategy was as vicious as it was cold-blooded. Qianlong¡¯s hands trembled with rage, veins bulging at his temples. ¡°It¡¯s Yang Yi¡¯s scheme! Those despicable bastards!¡± Chapter 82 Chapter 82: The Toxic Fishing Conspiracy! sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.In Changcheng, Guo Jingzhi scratched his head. ¡°General, Qianlong definitely won¡¯t surrender, right? Then¡­ why tell them we infected them with smallpox?¡± Heichi Changzhi spoke in a low voice. ¡°Of course, he won¡¯t surrender. As for the smallpox, out here in this desolate wilderness, even the thickest-headed would eventually realize it was us. ¡°Telling him now forces his retreat¡ªthere are likely smallpox cases still hidden among them. If they take those soldiers back, it will wreak havoc on the Qing Dynasty.¡± Guo Jingzhi was stunned, his mouth hanging open in shock. ¡°So that¡¯s the plan¡­ General, when did you start strategizing like Prime Minister Yang? Uh, I mean, your methods are becoming just as ruthless.¡± Changzhi shot him a glare. ¡°This was in a letter from Prime Minister Yang. After all, the Qing army isn¡¯t his only target.¡± The soldiers nearby fell silent, sharing looks of astonishment. As expected of Yang¡ªthe man was as thorough as he was ruthless. Guo Jingzhi swallowed hard, his eyes wide with amazement. ¡°So Prime Minister Yang saw this coming. Truly ruthless. Any other instructions?¡± Heichi Changzhi looked at him and the eager soldiers. ¡°Prime Minister Yang said that if Qianlong retreats, he¡¯ll likely abandon all soldiers infected with smallpox. We¡¯ll take those men and send them to Qing cities. ¡°Qing citizens won¡¯t suspect their own troops. By the time they realize the infection has spread, it¡¯ll be too late, and conquering those cities will be a breeze.¡± A shocked silence settled over the tent as every soldier took in the sinister brilliance of Yang¡¯s plan. Using their own infected soldiers as a weapon against their homeland? Guo Jingzhi stared, awestruck. ¡°Brilliant. It¡¯s chilling. Only someone entirely devoid of sentiment could devise such a scheme. This is vintage Prime Minister Yang.¡± The soldiers nodded in agreement. Yang¡¯s strategies rarely left room for mercy. ¡­ Three days later, Qianlong led a hasty retreat, knowing that lingering meant certain death by the Zhou army¡¯s smallpox. The infected soldiers were mercilessly left behind. ¡­ Half a month later, in the Qing capital, a weary Qianlong hurried back to the palace. This campaign had cost him dearly¡ªhe¡¯d barely escaped with his life. The Zhou had unleashed smallpox, a monstrous act. Ten days passed before his peace was shattered. ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s terrible¡ªsmallpox has broken out everywhere,¡± reported Fu Cha Fu Heng. ¡°Cases are spreading daily, with hundreds of thousands infected already. The enemy is advancing deeper into Qing, and they¡¯ve captured six of our cities.¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How did it spread so quickly? I ordered all troops stationed in the wilderness to prevent this!¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded. ¡°The Zhou took the soldiers we left behind and sent them to our cities. The officials, thinking they were wounded soldiers, allowed them in. By the time they realized it was smallpox, it was too late.¡± Qianlong¡¯s face turned red with rage. ¡°The Zhou are truly vile, sending infected soldiers to our cities. Who could think of such a scheme?¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng continued, voice tense. ¡°Your Majesty, citizens are panicking. The Zhou army is using their smallpox cure as leverage to encourage our people to surrender. If this continues, the Qing Dynasty may fall.¡± Qianlong¡¯s veins bulged with anger. He never expected the Zhou to weaponize variolation so effectively. Now, he had no solution. He rubbed his temples, grimacing. ¡°Order all local officials to combat the outbreak. Summon Niohuru Aligun to lead a counterattack. As long as we weather this¡­¡± Before he could finish his sentence, his vision darkened, and he collapsed. Fu Cha Fu Heng shouted in alarm, ¡°Your Majesty!¡± The imperial physician rushed in. After examining him, he turned pale. ¡°The Emperor has contracted smallpox.¡± Everyone backed away, terrified. Even the Emperor had fallen ill. This truly was the end. ¡­ In the Council Hall, Shangguan Wan¡¯er handed a report to the Empress, her face alight with joy. She wore a striking white tulip palace dress, her elegance aloof and refined. The Empress read the report, a smile flashing across her lips. ¡°Excellent. Our forces have already captured six cities, advancing unchallenged. The Qing¡¯s downfall is near.¡± Dressed in a golden dragon robe, her ample chest trembling with excitement, Wu Zhao¡¯s pale fingers gripped the report tightly. She turned to Yang Yi beside her, lips curving in amusement. Chapter 83 Chapter 83Yang Yi nodded slightly. ¡°Indeed¡­¡± At that moment, Zhang Jianzhi burst into the hall, panting. ¡°Latest news¡ªQianlong has also contracted smallpox!¡± Everyone in the hall was stunned. Yang Yi clapped his hands and laughed. ¡°Serves him right¡­¡± ¡°Your Majesty, I believe our Great Zhou should send another army to attack the enemy¡¯s capital. With a two-pronged assault, the Qing will be leaderless and fall apart in no time!¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes lit up, and she nodded decisively. ¡°I will dispatch another army immediately.¡± Though the Zhou¡¯s military strength was not as vast as the Qing¡¯s, this was a rare opportunity. Seizing it could elevate Great Zhou to a major power in the Central Plains. ¡­ Three days later, Yang Yi recommended that Dian Wei lead an army of one hundred thousand men to march on the Qing capital. One month later, Dian Wei led his troops to continuous victories, advancing all the way to the capital. At the same time, Heichi Changzhi arrived from another direction, and the two forces joined to besiege the city. Inside the capital, nobles frantically packed their belongings, preparing to flee. The enemy was at the gates; if they didn¡¯t escape now, it would be too late. The Qing officials were in complete disarray. In the Golden Throne Hall, Qianlong lay on the dragon bed, barely breathing, his body covered in blisters and pustules¡ªan alarming sight. Fu Cha Fu Heng and others stood by, masked, awaiting the emperor¡¯s final edict. ¡°¡­Pass the throne to the Crown Prince, and¡­ I also appoint Fu Heng as the Chief Marshal of the Army to assist the Crown Prince in state affairs.¡± Qianlong¡¯s eyes widened, his breathing laboured. ¡°Fu Heng, you must hold the capital.¡± Fu Cha Fu Heng quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Qianlong nodded weakly, but then, as if remembering something, his face flushed, and he clenched his fists. Mustering his last bit of strength, he fixed an intense gaze on Fu Cha Fu Heng. ¡°In this¡­ life, you must kill Yang Yi and bring his head to my tomb¡­¡± Before he could finish, he drew his last breath. Wails of mourning filled the hall. The next day, Fu Cha Fu Heng, now shouldering the empire¡¯s survival, assumed command of the Imperial Guards to defend the capital. However, due to Yang Yi¡¯s revelation in the that smallpox had spread because of Qianlong, the Qing Royal Family¡¯s reputation plummeted. Even with the Zhou army attacking, many citizens hoped for their arrival, believing the Zhou would genuinely vaccinate them against smallpox. The Royal Family had only exploited their lives. Half a month later, the capital fell. Despite Fu Cha Fu Heng¡¯s best efforts, he was no match for renowned generals like Dian Wei, Li Cunxiao, Xu Chu, and Heichi Changzhi. They quickly entered the Qing capital, surrounding the palace. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Great Zhou¡ªCouncil Hall. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ a great victory! Emperor Qianlong is dead!¡± ¡°Our army has taken the enemy capital¡­¡± A dust-covered soldier rushed in with the report. The hall was filled with shock. Xu Jingzong and the others were stunned. Although they had hoped for this outcome, the actual capture of the Qing capital left them speechless. After decades of recovery, the Qing Dynasty had wielded a powerful military and a prosperous economy! Yet, it had fallen to their Great Zhou. Memories surfaced of Qianlong arrogantly proposing marriage to their Empress, even sending a formal national letter. That memory felt like yesterday, yet in just a year, the mighty Qing had collapsed! Now, Great Zhou was about to rise from the Qing¡¯s ashes, on the brink of becoming a dominant power in the Central Plains. A chill ran through everyone as they instinctively glanced at Yang Yi. This cunning strategist had truly played a pivotal role. Though ruthless, his strategies had proven devastatingly effective. Chapter 84 Chapter 84: A Hunt Without SwordsThe Empress was momentarily stunned as she looked at Yang Yi in astonishment. She had never expected him to come up with such a ruthless plan in the blink of an eye. Shangguan Wan¡¯er was equally shocked. This sinister plan had emerged effortlessly. While everyone was still reeling, Yang Yi continued, ¡°In addition to the remnants still hiding in the Qing capital, we must also eliminate those who have already fled, as well as the members of the Qing Royal Family who are still outside. This will prevent them from regrouping and posing a future threat to our Great Zhou!¡± A collective hiss sounded throughout the hall as everyone gasped, staring at Yang Yi in a daze. They had barely begun to celebrate Great Zhou¡¯s victory, and here was Yang Yi, already plotting to dismantle the remnants. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, these remnants of the Qing have disappeared too quickly. The world is vast, and finding them could be nearly impossible if they¡¯re hiding.¡± Heads around the room nodded in agreement. They understood the importance of eliminating all threats, but it sounded like an insurmountable task. Yang Yi¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Master Xu, you¡¯re mistaken¡­ In my opinion, eliminating all threats is not only simple¡ªit won¡¯t even require a single soldier.¡± ¡°What?¡± The assembly was astonished. Xu Jingzong chuckled. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, do not tease an old man like me. How can we eliminate threats without using any soldiers? That sounds impossible.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes sparkled with confidence. ¡°It¡¯s entirely possible. By spreading rumours and using psychological warfare, we can turn the people against the remnants. ¡°If we offer rewards for information and create an atmosphere of mistrust, the remnants will have nowhere to hide. The people themselves will aid us in rooting them out¡ªall without us lifting a finger.¡± The hall fell into a profound silence as everyone processed the cunning depth of Yang Yi¡¯s proposal. Yes, but how could they catch the remnants without doing anything? Surely they didn¡¯t expect the remnants to surrender themselves! Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi with curiosity, while Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes glinted with admiration. Brimming with confidence, Yang Yi went on, ¡°It¡¯s quite simple. I propose that our Great Zhou offer a bounty. Anyone in the empire who captures a member of the Aisin Gioro clan and presents them to Great Zhou shall be rewarded with one hundred ounces of gold. ¡°For close relatives of Qianlong, such as a brother or son, the reward will be five hundred ounces of gold. ¡°Once this bounty is announced, people across the empire will be motivated to act. The Qing Royal Family members will become hunted by all, should they leave even the slightest trace. ¡°People die for wealth like birds for food. These remnants may evade Great Zhou¡¯s pursuit, but can they evade the entire world¡¯s pursuit?¡± He leaned forward, voice low but resonant. ¡°Even if they can hide for a time, eventually, someone close to them¡ªa servant or a subordinate¡ªwill betray them for the reward. ¡°After all, the Aisin Gioro Clan is nothing more than a powerless shadow now. Not everyone can maintain loyalty when faced with hundreds of ounces of gold.¡± As Yang Yi finished speaking, a stunned silence filled the room. Xu Jingzong gaped in awe, and others swallowed hard, hearing their own heartbeats. Just imagining it was enough to send shivers down their spines. Ordinary people who could only dream of earning a hundred ounces of gold after decades of labour would now have the chance to achieve it in an instant¡ªif only they caught one Aisin Gioro. Not only commoners, but officials too would be tempted by such a bounty. Members of the Qing Royal Family, who had already lost their land, would become walking gold reserves, constantly hunted by those around them. Yang Yi¡¯s plan ensured that the Aisin Gioro clan would never find peace. A chill filled the air as everyone, even the toughest ministers, trembled. Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes flickered with surprise as she gazed at Yang Yi. Though she was used to his ruthless strategies, the cold calculation in his words made her scalp tingle. Yang Yi¡¯s plan was clear: with the bounty in place, Great Zhou wouldn¡¯t need to lift a finger. The Qing Royal Family would be torn apart by people greedy for gold. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration. Though seemingly simple, the plan required an incredible insight into human nature. Yang Yi¡¯s understanding of people¡¯s motivations was unparalleled. Wu Zhao took a deep breath, her expression once again calm, and a faint smile touched her lips as she looked at Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, I find this plan feasible.¡± She glanced at Xu Jingzong. ¡°The specifics of this bounty order shall be handled by Minister Xu.¡± Xu Jingzong bowed swiftly. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Three days later, news of the Qing Dynasty¡¯s downfall spread throughout the Central Plains. The Great Zhou¡¯s bounty order took effect immediately, sending waves of turmoil through the empire. Throngs of people, driven by the lure of gold, began watching those around them with suspicious eyes. Those already accustomed to danger became especially excited, sharpening their weapons in anticipation. ¡­ Ming Dynasty¡ªFengtian Temple The father and son stood in silence, disbelief etched across their faces as they stared at the intelligence report in front of them. After a long pause, Zhu Biao spoke, his voice heavy with shock and trembling slightly. ¡°Father, didn¡¯t you say the Zhou Dynasty wouldn¡¯t last¡­? ¡°How did they manage to destroy the Qing Dynasty?¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Not only that,¡± Zhu Biao¡¯s voice shook, ¡°they even managed to find a cure for smallpox!¡± Zhu Yuanzhang, his weathered face equally stunned, finally broke the silence. ¡°This young man is no mere talent; he is a prodigy¡ªa once-in-a-millennium genius. ¡°We underestimated him¡­ When faced with a smallpox epidemic, he didn¡¯t just withstand it. He wielded it as a weapon to obliterate his enemies without harm to himself.¡± Chapter 85 Chapter 85 ¡°A prodigy for the ages. Among all strategists from ancient times to the present, Yang Yi could easily rank among the top three. ¡°For the Zhou Dynasty to have such a renowned minister is truly enviable.¡± Zhu Biao swallowed hard. ¡°Father, didn¡¯t you say that we should take advantage of the situation? Well, there¡¯s still a small part of the Qing territory that hasn¡¯t been taken over by the Zhou Dynasty. Should we¡­?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang glared at him. ¡°Do you think Yang Yi would let those territories fall into someone else¡¯s hands? Besides, with the emperor dead, the remaining officials and generals might declare themselves kings. ¡°If someone tries to take their cities, they¡¯ll fight to the death! Sending troops now would provoke Yang Yi, the living king of hell, and we¡¯d have to face these Qing loyalists. It¡¯s not worth it¡ªabsolutely not worth it. ¡°This Yang Yi is ruthless and will use any trick. We should stay away from him and avoid provoking him if possible. By the way, Biao¡¯er, since they have the method to cure smallpox, let¡¯s send someone to negotiate with them and see if we can get the cure¡­¡± Zhu Biao nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, Father.¡± ¡­ Tang Dynasty. ¡°Incredible, simply incredible,¡± Li Shimin was stunned. ¡°To use smallpox to destroy the Qing Dynasty¡ªYang Yi¡¯s strategy is ruthless.¡± Changsun Wuji and the others nodded with lingering fear, their faces filled with shock. If they were to face Yang Yi, they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. Smallpox was simply a devastating weapon. This man dared to use it. Truly a living king of hell! Li Shimin rubbed the intelligence report in front of him, his expression full of awe. ¡°And this bounty order¡ªwhat a brilliant plan. With this bounty order, the Qing Royal Family is finished.¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. One hundred ounces of gold for each. Even they were tempted, let alone the common people. Li Shimin suddenly let out a long sigh. Changsun Wuji quickly asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Everyone looked at Li Shimin. A complex expression flashed in his eyes. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Earlier, I thought Yang Yi would die at the hands of Qianlong, and I felt it was a pity. Such a prodigy¡ªit would be a waste for him to die. But now that he¡¯s survived, I feel a sense of fear. I almost wish he had died at Qianlong¡¯s hands. ¡°This Yang Yi is worth ten of my Xuanjia armies.¡± Everyone gasped, looking at Li Shimin in shock. The Xuanjia Army was Li Shimin¡¯s elite force, one of the finest cavalry in the world. And now, their emperor was saying that Yang Yi was worth ten Xuanjia armies? The hall fell silent, everyone deeply shaken. After a while, Li Shimin turned to Changsun Wuji. ¡°Fu Ji, send someone to the Zhou Dynasty to negotiate with Yang Yi. I want the method to cure smallpox.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Changsun Wuji replied quickly. ¡­ Qin Dynasty. Li Si and the others were stunned, their scalps tingling. The Qing Dynasty had been defeated? When they thought of their earlier idea of taking a share, they felt a wave of relief¡ªthey were fortunate not to have acted, or else they might have been killed by smallpox. Ying Zheng¡¯s face remained calm, but his heart was in turmoil. Although he had seemed confident before, he hadn¡¯t truly believed Yang Yi could handle Qianlong¡¯s army. But Yang Yi¡¯s performance was unexpected. He used smallpox, something no one could have anticipated, to single-handedly destroy the Qing Dynasty. He spoke slowly. ¡°With his own strength, he conquered cities and destroyed a nation. An incomparable statesman.¡± Ying Zheng paused, then continued, ¡°Send someone to the Zhou Dynasty¡­ Negotiate with Yang Yi about the smallpox cure. If we can establish diplomatic relations with Qin and Zhou, that would be even better.¡± Li Si and the others exchanged glances, then replied in unison, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ Half a month later, in Great Zhou¡­ ¡°Minister Yang, envoys from the Tang, Han, Qin, and Ming dynasties have all arrived. They all wish to see you and obtain the method to prevent smallpox,¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s cold voice echoed in the hall. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. He hadn¡¯t expected so many countries to send envoys. But the smallpox cure was indeed revolutionary. After a moment¡¯s thought, he replied, ¡°Your Majesty, perhaps we should arrange a meeting tomorrow¡­¡± Wu Zhao looked thoughtful. ¡°Do you intend to reveal the method to prevent smallpox?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°During the battle against the Qing, many people were already inoculated with cowpox. Additionally, many of our Great Zhou citizens have been inoculated as well. ¡°This method can¡¯t be kept secret, even if we wanted to. So we might as well tell them openly. Besides, these emperors probably didn¡¯t come only to prevent smallpox¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression turned curious. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Yang Yi spread his hands. ¡°With the intelligence capabilities of these major countries, discovering our method of cowpox inoculation wouldn¡¯t be hard.¡± Wu Zhao nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult.¡± ¡°Then they are here for¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Of course, they¡¯re looking for an excuse to establish diplomatic relations with us. Our Great Zhou is no longer the small country it once was. Defeating the Qing Dynasty has already proven our status. ¡°By establishing diplomatic relations, they¡¯re essentially acknowledging our current strength and our qualification to stand beside them. When you are strong, you attract allies.¡± Wu Zhao nodded thoughtfully, her eyes softening. ¡°Indeed¡­ Our Great Zhou has grown beyond its former limits. And it¡¯s all thanks to you. We¡¯re fortunate to have you, Yang Yi.¡± She looked at him, her voice softening, perhaps without even realizing it. ¡°In such a vast Great Zhou, I cannot support it alone. If not for you, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to hold on¡­¡± Yang Yi, touched by her tone, couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Then, Your Majesty, perhaps you should stay with me forever¡­¡± Chapter 86 Chapter 86: Diplomatic Relations with Five Nations! The hall fell silent. A faint blush rose to Wu Zhao¡¯s cold and noble face, as if a light layer of rouge had been applied. Her clear eyes flickered with a hint of complexity, caught between an inexplicable shyness and annoyance. Yet, without realizing it, she found herself less resistant than she expected. Yang Yi immediately regretted his words. The silence stretched. Wu Zhao said nothing, as though she hadn¡¯t heard his remark. Finally, she spoke. ¡°I entrust the matter of meeting the envoys to you. I am tired.¡± With that, she turned and exited the hall. Yang Yi stood, stunned, feeling something amiss. The Empress had not reprimanded him for his impertinent words? As she departed, he observed her figure¡ªstill graceful, her full chest forming a perfect curve even from behind, a slender waist like a serpent, and rounded hips accentuating the gold-threaded skirt. Sunlight filtering through seemed to faintly outline her legs beneath the fabric. Yang Yi fell into contemplation. ¡­ The next day, at Honglu Temple. ¡°Greetings, Minister Yang¡± The envoys at Honglu Temple bowed to Yang Yi. A nearby official discreetly introduced each envoy¡¯s identity. Fang Xuanling, Song Lian, Zhufu Yan, and Wei Liao¡ªall prominent figures from their respective nations of Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming¡ªrepresented the importance their emperors placed on diplomatic relations with the Great Zhou. Yang Yi recognized these names; each was famed in history. After brief pleasantries, everyone took their seats. Fang Xuanling, stroking his beard, smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯ve long admired Minister Yang¡¯s reputation. Meeting you today, I see you truly are a dragon among men.¡± Yang Yi replied modestly, ¡°Minister Fang overpraises me¡­¡± Fang Xuanling chuckled. ¡°Our Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has commended Minister Yang on numerous occasions. If you have the chance, Minister Yang, His Majesty would be honoured to receive you in the Tang Dynasty.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s thoughts shifted. Being a ruthless strategist often drew enmity, and attracting the attention of the Tang Dynasty¡¯s emperor was not necessarily favourable. Composing himself, he replied calmly, ¡°The Tang Dynasty and the Great Zhou are neighbours and friends. Should the opportunity arise, I will certainly visit.¡± Fang Xuanling smiled. ¡°We understand that Minister Yang has discovered a method to prevent smallpox¡ªan invaluable achievement. Before I departed, His Majesty urged me to consult you on this matter. The Tang Dynasty is willing to offer any compensation for it.¡± At this, Song Lian, Zhufu Yan, and Wei Liao joined in. ¡°The Ming Dynasty also seeks the smallpox prevention method.¡± ¡°So does the Han Dynasty.¡± ¡°The Qin Dynasty is prepared to negotiate for it as well.¡± Yang Yi remained calm, a slight smile gracing his face. He spoke sincerely, ¡°Gentlemen, you honour us too greatly. Smallpox is a common enemy to all nations. Now that our Great Zhou has a solution, we cannot withhold it. We will prepare the method and send it to you soon.¡± S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The four men looked at him in surprise. Though they hadn¡¯t expected him to refuse, his offer to share it freely was unexpected. Fang Xuanling, stroking his beard thoughtfully, replied, ¡°Minister Yang, do you truly ask for nothing in return? Our Tang Dynasty came with sincerity.¡± The others exchanged glances, awaiting his answer. Yang Yi shook his head, his eyes sincere. ¡°The Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties are all powerful nations of the Central Plains. We should share in prosperity and adversity. Besides, eradicating smallpox serves the people of all lands, so there is no need for compensation.¡± The four envoys were taken aback. Coming from anyone else, these words might have been believable, but from Yang Yi, the chief strategist of the Great Zhou, they seemed a bit misplaced. He continued, ¡°However, if you truly feel uncomfortable accepting it freely, I do have a small request.¡± Fang Xuanling, Song Lian, Zhufu Yan, and Wei Liao exchanged nods. ¡°Minister Yang, please, go on¡­¡± A glint of mischief appeared in Yang Yi¡¯s eyes. ¡°The is a unique publication of our nation, read widely by our citizens. I hope we may establish branches of the in the capitals of your countries, to foster mutual understanding and friendship among our peoples. What do you think?¡± The four envoys instinctively considered this. They knew of the ¡®s power. Their countries had attempted similar publications, but their impact was limited. Fang Xuanling replied thoughtfully, ¡°Minister Yang, this is a reasonable request. We shall write to His Majesty for approval, and I believe he will agree.¡± The others nodded as well, recognizing the request as fair, given their purpose of strengthening ties with the Great Zhou. Half an hour later, the envoys took their leave to seek their emperors¡¯ approval. Zhufu Yan was about to depart when Yang Yi called out to him. ¡°Minister Zhufu¡­¡± Surprised, Zhufu Yan turned and saluted respectfully. Unlike the others, his rank was lower than Yang Yi¡¯s, and he deeply admired Yang Yi¡¯s enfeoffment policy. Yang Yi smiled warmly. ¡°Minister Zhufu, there¡¯s no need for such formality. I feel a kinship with you. If you have time, please visit my residence.¡± Zhufu Yan, flattered, quickly thanked him. Yang Yi¡¯s gaze turned contemplative. ¡°Minister Zhufu, could I trouble you with a small favour upon your return to the Han Dynasty?¡± Zhufu Yan nodded. ¡°Please, Minister Yang, anything you need.¡± Yang Yi hesitated, appearing slightly embarrassed. ¡°In your state¡¯s Princess Pingyang¡¯s residence, there is a singer. Years ago, I saw her from afar and was captivated. At the time, I had nothing to offer, so I left in sorrow. Now that I¡¯ve achieved some success, I hope you might help me bring her to the Great Zhou. I am willing to pay for her freedom¡­¡± Chapter 87 Chapter 87Zhufu Yan was stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected that this young, powerful strategist of the Great Zhou would harbour a lingering affection for a mere singer. Delighted, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to establish a bond with such an influential figure. With a resolute nod, Zhufu Yan said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Minister Yang. A gentleman helps others achieve their desires. It¡¯s a small matter¡ªI won¡¯t let you down. Just tell me the name of the singer¡­¡± Yang Yi replied solemnly, ¡°The singer¡¯s name is Wei Zifu. She has two relatives: her brother, Wei Qing, and her nephew, Huo Qubing.¡± Yang Yi had already learned that the Han Emperor Liu Che still had Empress Chen¡ªChen Ajiao, the famous subject of ¡®The Golden House to Keep One¡¯s Mistress.¡¯ This meant that Wei Zifu had likely not yet attracted the emperor¡¯s notice. If he could bring her under his own roof first, it would be ideal; she was a woman who came with two legendary figures as her dowry. Zhufu Yan had no doubts; he simply thought Minister Yang was deeply in love. Pounding his chest, he promised to take care of it. After all, she was only a singer. Princess Pingyang, who enjoyed currying favour with the powerful, wouldn¡¯t likely refuse a request from such a prominent minister of the Great Zhou. ¡­ Ten days later, Fang Xuanling and the others returned with news of successful negotiations. The establishment of Great Zhou Bao branches in the capitals of various countries was underway, and Yang Yi provided them with the smallpox prevention method as a gift to solidify this initial cooperation. Zhufu Yan also brought good news. In Princess Pingyang¡¯s residence, there was indeed a singer named Wei Zifu. Now, Wei Zifu, her brother Wei Qing, and her nephew Huo Qubing were being escorted to the Great Zhou by people sent by the princess herself. They were just a singer, a servant, and a child; Princess Pingyang had seen no reason to refuse Yang Yi¡¯s request. ¡­ Half a month later, at the Yang residence. Several carriages were parked outside the mansion. As one of the most influential ministers of the Great Zhou, Yang Yi attracted countless admirers eager to curry favour. Outside his residence, people frequently came bearing gifts, but most were turned away at the door. Suddenly, a Han-style carriage rolled up in front of the gate, piquing the curiosity of those nearby. ¡°Whose carriage is that?¡± ¡°Judging by the style, it¡¯s not from around here.¡± Someone scoffed, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter where it¡¯s from; it won¡¯t get through Yang¡¯s gate anyway.¡± The others nodded in agreement, accustomed to the sight of messengers bearing gifts only to be turned away. To everyone¡¯s surprise, however, a gatekeeper approached the carriage, exchanged words with the driver, and then gestured for it to enter the residence through the side gate. ¡­ Half an hour later, in the study. Yang Yi observed the young woman before him, who had clearly been bathed, dressed, and carefully attended to by the maids in his residence. He was unexpectedly surprised. He brought Wei Zifu here mainly because of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, and he did not expect much from the singer herself. Yet the girl before him was strikingly beautiful. She was tall, with a cascade of black, silky hair styled in the popular Yao Tai bun of Han women. Her delicate, fair face was complemented by large, clear eyes, which sparkled shyly as she looked at him. Her white silk dress was embroidered with jade ribbons, lending her an aura of purity and elegance. Her full chest and slender waist suggested she was held to high standards of beauty in Princess Pingyang¡¯s residence. Seeing Yang Yi, Wei Zifu quickly lowered her gaze, bowing respectfully. ¡°This servant greets the minister¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s gaze lingered on her thoughtfully. Wei Zifu blushed, her fair skin taking on a soft rosy hue as she lowered her head, too shy to meet his eyes. Yang Yi mused, surprised at himself. It had slipped his mind that anyone who caught the eye of Emperor Wu of Han wouldn¡¯t be lacking in appearance. But now, she was his. Yang Yi was no moral paragon; having such a beautiful girl, along with two legendary figures as part of her dowry, was certainly an impressive gain. Smiling, he addressed her. ¡°From today, your brother and nephew will be under my care. I¡¯ll arrange for your brother to join the military, while your nephew, being young, will study under General Heichi Changzhi. As for you, you¡¯ll remain here, in my household.¡± Wei Zifu bit her lip, nodding softly. Having been sent here by the princess, she had no choice but to accept her new life. Her eyes flickered shyly to Yang Yi, and to her surprise, this powerful minister of the Great Zhou was quite handsome¡ªnot at all like the portly, aging figure she¡¯d imagined. Seeing her timid glance, Yang Yi felt a surge of warmth. Rising, he approached her, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the inner room. Her soft cries filled the space as he pressed her down onto the bed. ¡­ The next day, at dawn. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A sliver of sunlight slipped through the window, casting a gentle glow across the floor. Clothes lay scattered haphazardly around the room. On the bed, Yang Yi watched the beautiful Wei Zifu lying beside him, a small smile tugging at his lips. This was a famed beauty from history, and now she belonged to him. He gently stroked her smooth, fair cheek, which flushed red at his touch. He realized she had been awake for some time, quietly lying beside him. Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by a maid¡¯s voice. ¡°Minister, someone from the palace has arrived. Her Majesty requests your presence¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s brows lifted. The Empress was summoning him. He rose from the bed, and as he began to dress, Wei Zifu, with downcast eyes, obediently helped him. Her cheeks were flushed, her head bowed in a demure manner, though her hands were steady as she smoothed his robes. Yang Yi chuckled, pinching her cheek lightly before leaving. ¡­ Half an hour later, in the Qianyuan Hall. Yang Yi bowed before the Empress. ¡°Your Majesty, this humble servant greets you¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze lingered on him, her eyes gleaming with subtle amusement. Seeing him so refreshed, she couldn¡¯t help but remark, ¡°I heard that the girl you fancied in your youth has arrived at your residence. It seems you¡¯ve finally reunited with your beloved.¡± Chapter 88 Chapter 88: Three Ruthless Schemes to Strip the Gentry of Power!Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. He feigned ignorance. ¡°What does Your Majesty mean? I don¡¯t understand.¡± Wu Zhao had just asked casually, not expecting him to deny it. She remained expressionless. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask the Han envoy, Zhu Fu Yan, to bring you a singer from Han? This matter has been widely rumored¡­¡± Yang Yi pretended to suddenly realize. ¡°So that¡¯s what this is all about.¡± Perhaps feeling that her question was somewhat inappropriate, the Empress nonchalantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice calm. ¡°I only asked on behalf of Wu Mingyue. She heard the rumor and seemed quite upset.¡± Yang Yi was speechless. He replied seriously, ¡°Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I did this for the sake of our Great Zhou¡­¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± This statement stunned the previously calm Wu Zhao. Even Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who was serving next to her, looked at Yang Yi in shock. Seeing the incredulous looks of the two women, Yang Yi continued seriously. ¡°Although this woman is ordinary, her brother and nephew are exceptional, with great talent in military affairs. The reason I asked Zhu Fu Yan to bring this woman was merely a cover. My real targets are her brother, Wei Qing, and her nephew, Huo Qubing. With some training, they will undoubtedly become pillars of our Great Zhou in the future.¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback, somewhat surprised. ¡°So, it turns out you were after her brother and nephew¡­ No wonder you had them brought here. But there are rumors that you are fond of beauty¡­¡± She was already nearly convinced by Yang Yi¡¯s words. After all, if he were only interested in the woman¡¯s beauty, there would be no need to bring her brother and nephew along. With a self-sacrificing look, Yang Yi righteously said, ¡°A trivial reputation is nothing compared to the welfare of Great Zhou. A strategist must enter the fray. If it means gaining two famous generals, let my reputation suffer a little.¡± Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, giving Yang Yi a strange look. He talks as if he¡¯s making a huge sacrifice. In truth, Wu Zhao didn¡¯t mind. Even if Yang Yi had taken in a singer, she wouldn¡¯t interfere. After all, it was normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. She only asked because the rumors were too outrageous, claiming that the woman was Yang Yi¡¯s childhood sweetheart whom he couldn¡¯t forget¡ªa notion that had made her feel somewhat uncomfortable. Yang Yi smiled at Wu Zhao. ¡°Did Your Majesty summon me to the palace just for this matter?¡± His gaze was penetrating, as if he could see right through Wu Zhao. The Empress¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but she remained calm. ¡°Of course not¡­¡± Her expression suddenly grew serious, a slight frown furrowing her brow. ¡°Minister Yang, our Great Zhou has just pacified the Qing Dynasty. Although some remnants still resist, they pose no significant threat. I was planning to send Great Zhou¡¯s officials to take over and govern the Qing territories¡­ but recently, I¡¯ve uncovered some troubling issues. ¡°Someone reported that certain officials are exploiting the Qing people by imposing various taxes to amass wealth. Not only that, they¡¯re also taking advantage of the post-war chaos¡ªwhere land records have been destroyed or scattered¡ªto secretly seize land. ¡°These individuals come from noble families. They already own large tracts of land in Great Zhou, and now they¡¯re seizing this opportunity to grab land in Qing. The Qing people have just submitted to us, and their loyalty is still unstable. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I had planned to lower taxes to appease them, but these people acted first. If this continues, the Qing people will surely resent the court and may even rebel, causing further turmoil.¡± The more Wu Zhao spoke, the angrier she became, her face growing colder. Since ancient times, the aristocracy and the imperial power had always maintained a balance. The noble families of Great Zhou were all too arrogant and domineering, hiding during battles and reaping the rewards afterward. Taking a deep breath, Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, I do not want the lands conquered by our Great Zhou soldiers to fall into chaos again because of these scoundrels. Do you have any good strategies?¡± Yang Yi thought for a moment, then smiled. ¡°Since Your Majesty asked, I have some plans to deal with these noble families.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Please, Minister Yang, go ahead.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who stood nearby, had a strange expression. Yang Yi stroked his chin and met the Empress¡¯s gaze, a smile playing on his lips. ¡°Your Majesty, may I ask how our Great Zhou is currently collecting land taxes?¡± Wu Zhao blinked her clear eyes, thinking. ¡°Our taxes are divided into household tax, land tax, property tax, and additional taxes, including foot tax, granary tax, and bundling tax, as well as commercial taxes, like dam tax and market tax.¡± Yang Yi rubbed his temples and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, the numerous and complicated tax names confuse the common people and make it unclear which taxes must be paid to the court. Not to mention the trade and miscellaneous taxes; just the land tax, corv¨¦e labor, and other miscellaneous levies are already a mess. ¡°This gives an opportunity to corrupt officials, who create new tax names to exploit the people. I believe the first step should be to consolidate the land tax, corv¨¦e labor, and other miscellaneous levies into a single tax collected in silver. ¡°In this way, these officials will no longer be able to levy additional taxes on the people under various pretexts. I call this the ¡®Single Whip Law.¡¯ Once this law is implemented, it will cut off their sources of illegal income.¡± A flash of astonishment crossed Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes, and she said excitedly, ¡°Minister Yang, your proposal is very reasonable. With the implementation of this Single Whip Law, who would dare to blatantly collect taxes illegally? Those corrupt officials will be left with no choice!¡± She hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi¡¯s casual suggestion to strike so effectively. She was already looking forward to seeing corrupt officials gnash their teeth in frustration. ¡°In addition to the Single Whip Law, the second method is to change our current tax system from one based on the number of people to one based on the amount of land,¡± Yang Yi said, meeting the Empress¡¯s gaze and boldly proposing his second method. The hall fell silent. Shangguan Wan¡¯er gasped, her expression full of shock. The Single Whip Law was aimed at cutting off the income sources of corrupt officials, while changing the tax system from a head tax to a land tax would cut at the roots of the noble families. Since ancient times, noble families had accumulated wealth by seizing land, allowing them to avoid heavy taxation through the head tax system. Abolishing the poll tax would reduce the burden on poor peasants while increasing the tax obligations of wealthy noble families. These nobles, accustomed to vast lands and minimal taxes, would surely be driven mad by the change. Chapter 89 Chapter 89Wu Zhao¡¯s clear phoenix eyes widened in shock, her scalp tingling. Her rosy lips parted slightly in disbelief¡ªshe hadn¡¯t expected that merely asking Yang Yi how to deal with corrupt officials would result in such a ruthless plan to sever the noble families¡¯ roots. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These families owned vast tracts of land but paid very little in taxes, essentially leeching off the empire. The head tax¡¯s abolition would cut deeply into their wealth. She was silent for a moment, then looked at Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, do you realize that if you do this, you¡¯ll face opposition from the entire court? Countless people will hate you to the core.¡± Yang Yi smiled slightly. ¡°For the sake of the country, one should not avoid danger or seek comfort.¡± Wu Zhao was deeply moved, repeating Yang Yi¡¯s words in her mind. Her phoenix eyes remained wide with shock, and she felt a rising sense of admiration as she looked at him. ¡°Such reforms will inevitably face countless obstacles¡­¡± she said softly. Yang Yi clapped his hands and laughed. ¡°Indeed. Since these aristocrats not only avoid land taxes but also hide their holdings in the registry, they¡¯ll resist in every way possible! ¡°However, Your Majesty, with Great Zhou¡¯s external threats eliminated, it¡¯s time to deal with these internal parasites. The army¡¯s morale is high after our victory over the Qing Dynasty. If anyone dares resist, I wouldn¡¯t mind letting these battle-hardened soldiers spill some more blood.¡± Silence fell. The hidden killing intent in Yang Yi¡¯s casual words sent a chill through both Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er. After a moment, Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi with firm determination. ¡°I support you¡­¡± Yang Yi felt a sudden relief. Whether it was the Single Whip Law or the land tax reform, as long as the Empress fully supported these measures, the court¡¯s opposition would not prevail. He smiled slightly and said, ¡°I have a third strategy¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°Please, Minister Yang, go ahead¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. ¡°The rampant corruption and land grabbing by these officials go largely unnoticed because no one dares report it¡­ We can set up ¡®report boxes¡¯ in government offices where anyone can submit information anonymously. ¡°The people may not know every corrupt official¡¯s schemes, but they certainly know who exploits them. Reports from the common folk will give the court leads to investigate, speeding up the process and deterring corrupt officials across Great Zhou.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression shifted to one of stunned realization. She hesitated slightly. ¡°Minister Yang, I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t work¡­ The people don¡¯t dare fight officials. Who would risk reporting one? And once this report box opens, what if people file false reports just to make trouble?¡± Yang Yi remained calm and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, this report box is not for long-term use. It will operate temporarily while the Single Whip Law and land tax reforms are implemented. This will prevent an influx of false reports in the future.¡± He paused, then continued, ¡°And who says that the information must come from the ¡®people¡¯ alone to investigate officials?¡± Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er exchanged puzzled glances. The Empress pressed her lips together. ¡°Minister Yang, you mean¡­?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes glinted as he revealed a subtle smile. ¡°Once the report box policy is implemented, I can say that anyone I wish has been ¡®reported¡¯ for misconduct. Anyone who objects has a guilty conscience.¡± A gasp escaped both Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er as they stared at Yang Yi, their scalps tingling. They hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi to devise such a tactic. His approach was to leverage ¡®fabricated¡¯ evidence, taking the moral high ground to wield the ¡°Imperial Sword¡± and ensure the Land Tax Reform¡¯s success. Yang Yi¡¯s three strategies were interlinked, forming a ruthless combination that would surely make the noble families recoil. With these measures, their wealth and power would bleed dry. A glimmer of determination sparked in Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes. ¡°Minister Yang, I entrust you with full authority to handle this matter. Additionally, I appoint you as the temporary Great General of the Jinwu Guard, granting you command over all troops within the capital.¡± Yang Yi bowed solemnly. ¡°I accept the order¡­¡± The following day, Yang Yi quickly drafted decrees for the Single Whip Law and the Land Tax Reform and submitted them to the Secretariat. Even before they were issued, a storm of debate swept through the court. In the Hall of Government¡­ ¡°Minister Yang, this strategy seems to shake the foundations of our Great Zhou¡­¡± Li Yifu said angrily, his face darkening. ¡°Other countries levy head taxes; now you propose this land tax reform? It¡¯s reckless!¡± Though Li Yifu had kept a low profile recently, realizing Yang Yi¡¯s power was unshakable, he could no longer stay silent. Even Prince Wei, Wu Yuanshuang, had been defeated by Yang Yi, and the Enfeoffment Order threatened his fiefdom. The emperor¡¯s growing favour for Yang Yi fueled his resentment. He hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi to propose the Single Whip Law, the Land Tax Reform, and Report Boxes, all in one stroke. The land tax reform especially spelled ruin for the noble families. A survey of their land? That was a death sentence. Unable to restrain himself, he raised his voice alongside nearly sixty percent of the court officials, who looked at Yang Yi with anger and a tinge of fear. The ¡®Single Whip Law¡¯ and ¡®Land Tax Reform¡¯ were poised to cut off their lifelines. Yang Yi scanned the crowd, pausing on the furious Li Yifu. He chuckled lightly. ¡°Minister Li, do you know what happens when you throw a brick into a dog kennel? Only the dog that gets hit barks. ¡°Could it be that you¡¯ve confiscated a lot of people¡¯s land under your name?¡± The colour drained from Li Yifu¡¯s face as fear gripped him. Chapter 90 Chapter 90: Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s Shock! The hall fell into a heavy silence, the tension thick. No one had expected Yang Yi to speak so directly, and his words carried the weight of authority, making everyone uneasy. Li Yifu¡¯s face paled, and he stammered, ¡°Nonsense, how could that be? Yang Yi, don¡¯t you dare slander me!¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes narrowed, a smile curving his lips that filled Li Yifu with dread. ¡°Whether you¡¯ve seized land or not, an investigation will reveal the truth. The land records clearly show the amount of land.¡± Everyone was suddenly struck with terror, hearts pounding. They all knew the recorded land in the registry did not match their actual holdings¡ªit was an unspoken rule to hide their true land area. If investigated, how could they withstand the scrutiny? The hall was eerily quiet. Wu Zhao glanced over the crowd and said calmly, ¡°The Single Whip Law and Land Tax Reform must be implemented. I have already assigned Minister Yang to handle this matter fully. Dismissed.¡± ¡­ Li¡¯s Residence ¡°Minister Li, what should we do now?¡± ¡°Yes, Yang Yi has gained power and is now aiming his guns at us. It¡¯s outrageous!¡± ¡°He¡¯s ruthless! If he implements this land tax reform, he¡¯ll be cutting off our roots!¡± ¡°Indeed! This scoundrel¡¯s strategy is too ruthless!¡± The officials¡¯ faces were grim, filled with fear and shock. They hadn¡¯t stood against Yang Yi before, but they had witnessed his mercilessness toward the Qing enemies. Now, facing him themselves, they felt his suffocating intimidation. Yang Yi was after their lives. Every strategy hit where it hurt most! Li Yifu looked at the crowd of officials¡ªeach held at least a fifth-rank position, all high-ranking court officials. Even beyond the court, they were powerful regional governors. Yet now, every one of them appeared nervous and on edge. Li Yifu took a deep breath, seeking to calm them down. ¡°Don¡¯t panic¡­ Yang Yi¡¯s actions are tantamount to opposing the entire gentry and nobility of Great Zhou, as well as seventy percent of the officials. He won¡¯t succeed. ¡°, does he think he can survey all the land with just one decree? Even among his own subordinates, how many can claim to be completely clean? ¡°Unless Yang Yi personally leads the survey and inspects each household one by one, his subordinates won¡¯t work for him wholeheartedly. After all, he¡¯s affecting everyone¡¯s interests! ¡°And if he¡¯s the only one inspecting, it would take him a lifetime to survey all the land! His so-called single whip law and land tax reform are impossible to implement. ¡°Policies from above, countermeasures from below¡ªdon¡¯t you understand?¡± Li Yifu¡¯s words calmed the crowd, his reasoning striking a chord with them. Throughout history, those who opposed the majority of officials in the bureaucracy never succeeded. Even a ¡°living Yama¡± like Yang Yi would not change that. ¡°If he wants to oppose the Great Zhou bureaucracy, he really needs to see if he has the ability,¡± one official remarked with a grin. ¡°Yes, instead of being a good prime minister, he¡¯s choosing to provoke us. Let¡¯s show him what it means to provoke the wrong people.¡± ¡°If someone comes to inspect the land, I¡¯ll have my servants close the door. Do they dare to break in?¡± ¡°Hahaha, exactly! I¡¯ll close the door. Do the officials dare to break it down?¡± ¡°Right! We may fear Yang Yi, but not his subordinates.¡± ¡°Let him investigate! Let¡¯s see who can outlast whom!¡± The officials relaxed considerably, mockery filling their voices as they laughed contemptuously. Opposing an entire class is no easy task. Yang Yi¡¯s strategy, they believed, was bound to fail this time. ¡­ Two Days Later The single whip law and land tax reform were issued by the Secretariat, the first step being to survey the land. All the officials were waiting to see Yang Yi fail. They didn¡¯t think he could succeed. Another day passed. The ¡®report box¡¯ policy was launched as promised, but no one dared submit any evidence. After three to five days, the initially nervous officials began to sneer. It seemed that Yang Yi was bluffing. So this was the so-called ¡®most ruthless strategist of Great Zhou¡¯? ¡­ Li¡¯s Residence ¡°Minister Li, it¡¯s been several days, and Yang Yi hasn¡¯t made a move. It seems he¡¯s failed this time, ¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Indeed, we thought he had some big plan, but he¡¯s just a paper tiger!¡± ¡°, I was worried for nothing. It seems he¡¯s not so terrifying after all.¡± ¡°You were all too timid. How could Yang Yi succeed?¡± ¡°So much for the most ruthless strategist of Great Zhou.¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to take a big fall this time!¡± As they saw Yang Yi¡¯s strategies failing to yield any results, the long-suppressed fear gave way to mocking laughter and contempt. Li Yifu sneered coldly. ¡°As long as we hold out, Yang Yi will surely fail. He thinks a few strategies are enough to act arrogantly. This time, we¡¯ll show him what it means to be a frog in a well, overestimating his abilities!¡± The officials laughed louder, venting their former fears while expressing disdain for Yang Yi. ¡­ Ming ¡°Father, do you think Yang Yi has gone mad and turned his blade inward to cleanse Great Zhou?¡± Zhu Biao asked, puzzled. ¡°These nobles and gentry are not easy to deal with.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his temples. ¡°He¡¯s doing what we wanted to do but couldn¡¯t¡­ The single whip law and land tax reform are excellent policies. But unfortunately, it¡¯s destined to fail this time.¡± Zhu Biao nodded. ¡°This is different from dealing with the Qing enemies. His two decrees target seventy percent of the officials in Zhou. Going against the entire bureaucracy¡ªwhat good can come from that?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply. ¡°Internal enemies within the empire are far harder to deal with than those wielding weapons outside. Throughout history, any reform that faced the entire bureaucracy, even with an emperor¡¯s backing, has failed. This time, Yang Yi doesn¡¯t see the whole picture.¡± ¡­ Tang Dynasty ¡°What audacity¡­¡± Li Shimin¡¯s eyes flashed with shock. ¡°I only dared to proceed slowly, even with the compilation of the ; it met with considerable resistance. I didn¡¯t expect this person to propose such a drastic policy as the land tax reform, aiming to cut off his enemies at a single blow. This is too rash¡ªhe¡¯s doomed to fail¡­¡± Changsun Wuji and the others nodded in agreement. They still remembered how the Sui Dynasty collapsed. Opposing the nobility had never ended well. ¡­ Han Dynasty ¡°Good, very good, Yang Yi. A bold single whip law and land tax reform,¡± Liu Che muttered, his gaze darkening with murderous intent. ¡°If I had a minister as audacious, these parasites of the empire should be ruthlessly exterminated!¡± Zhufu Yan, Sang Hongyang, and Zhang Tang exchanged glances as they felt the emperor¡¯s palpable anger. After a while, Liu Che calmed, stroking his chin with some regret. ¡°I admire his audacity. But I also know the outcome¡ªreformers throughout history have only met failure¡­¡± Chapter 91 Chapter 91In Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng read the intelligence report with a complicated expression. ¡°Cutting through the entire officialdom?¡± he murmured, eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What a ruthless plan. Is he including himself in the calculations this time?¡± Li Si and Wang Wan were stunned, not expecting such a bold move from Yang Yi. Li Si couldn¡¯t help but comment, ¡°This isn¡¯t the action of a cautious strategist. He¡¯s far too arrogant. Does he really believe he can go against the entire bureaucracy?¡± Wang Wan sneered, ¡°His victories must have inflated his ego. This time, even the Empress won¡¯t be able to shield him.¡± Nearby, Feng Quji and Wei Liao shook their heads, visibly doubtful. A reformer¡¯s fate was all but sealed once they challenged the entire officialdom. The policies Yang Yi was pushing, like equalizing land taxes and his proposed ¡®Single Whip Law,¡¯ threatened the gentry and nobility while benefiting the empire¡ªyet it seemed unlikely they would succeed. Ying Zheng remained silent for a moment before saying slowly, ¡°His policies would serve the empire well¡­ but implementing them will be another matter altogether.¡± ¡­ Three days later, in Luoyang, the report box outside the imperial city¡¯s gate remained untouched, a disappointment for the commoners. Many had hoped Yang Yi¡¯s decree would bring change, but they feared the risks of reporting corruption. Who dared take that chance? The box had become little more than a display, even earning quiet mockery from passing officials who doubted that any commoner would risk submitting a report. Under the glaring midday sun, guards stood stoically around the towering imperial gates. Suddenly, the steady echo of footsteps approached, drawing their attention. They saw a man in a bamboo hat, holding a thick envelope, confidently stride to the report box and drop it in before walking away. The guards exchanged surprised glances. Someone had reported something! .. Not long after, Yang Yi was handed the envelope, a slight smile crossing his face as he recognized the familiar handwriting. It was Wei Zifu¡¯s script, penned exactly as he had instructed. ¡°Someone has reported that Li Yifu has seized good farmland, claiming thousands of acres,¡± he announced, his expression turning serious. ¡°Come with me to Li Yifu¡¯s residence. We¡¯ll investigate this matter thoroughly!¡± The gathered officials stared at him in disbelief. Investigate the Deputy Minister of the Secretariat, Li Yifu? Many swallowed hard, nervous about provoking such a powerful figure. Yet, none dared disobey Yang Yi¡¯s orders. ¡­ Half an hour later, Yang Yi arrived at Li Yifu¡¯s residence with a retinue of officials and soldiers. The gatekeeper hurried forward, bowing nervously. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, my master isn¡¯t home¡­¡± Yang Yi replied evenly, ¡°We¡¯re here to measure the land. Whether Li Yifu is home is irrelevant. Bring someone in charge and the land deeds.¡± The gatekeeper hesitated, ¡°Prime Minister, I¡¯m afraid without my master present, I cannot¡­¡± Before he could finish, Xu Chu, seething with impatience, kicked him aside. ¡°Silence! How dare you speak to the Prime Minister that way!¡± The gatekeeper flew backward, blood spurting from his mouth as he hit the ground, barely conscious. The other officials swallowed nervously, exchanging uneasy glances, all realizing this situation was rapidly escalating. Yang Yi raised a hand, gesturing to Xu Chu, who grinned, signaling his soldiers. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Break down the door!¡± Yang Yi ordered. With a thunderous roar, Xu Chu led his men as they smashed through the gate, storming inside the residence. The soldiers, battle-hardened and fiercely loyal to Yang Yi for his cunning strategies, captured Li Yifu¡¯s family. When they initially refused to hand over the land deeds, Xu Chu wasted no time, executing one of Li Yifu¡¯s nephews as a warning, his blood splattering the ground. Shaking, Li Yifu¡¯s wife finally surrendered the deeds. Xu Chu dragged her outside, reporting to Yang Yi, ¡°Prime Minister, we have the deeds.¡± Yang Yi nodded, addressing the officials who had accompanied him. ¡°Let¡¯s measure Deputy Minister Li¡¯s land.¡± The officials, drenched in sweat, reluctantly followed. ¡­ Meanwhile, at the secretariat, an official whispered to Li Yifu, ¡± Deputy Minister, there¡¯s word that someone reported you, and Yang Yi went to your residence.¡± Feigning calm, Li Yifu replied, ¡°It¡¯s baseless slander. Does he truly believe he can tear down my home?¡± Some officials exchanged glances, admiring Li Yifu¡¯s composure. However, another official suddenly burst into the room, his face pale. ¡°Vice Minister Li, Yang Yi¡­ he destroyed your house and is now taking your wife to measure the land!¡± Li Yifu¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. That up brat had demolished his home? How had he even acquired the land deeds? He turned pale, while the surrounding officials stared in horror, realizing that Prime Minister Yang was deadly serious. Panicked, Li Yifu hurried out. He had to see the Emperor¡ªif not, he was finished. ¡­ Half a day later, Yang Yi stood surveying the vast tracts of farmland as officials measured the land. Turning to his officials, he smiled grimly. ¡°With just a fraction of the deeds, we¡¯ve already counted twenty-three thousand acres.¡± ¡°Quite the honest man, Vice Minister Li,¡± he said, his voice heavy with irony. ¡°By seizing so much land, how many innocent families has he ruined? Truly, he deserves death.¡± Though he was smiling, his cold fury was unmistakable, sending a chill through the watching officials. They knew, with absolute certainty, that Li Yifu¡¯s fate was sealed. Chapter 92 Chapter 92: Ruthless Scheme! The next day, in the Council Hall, a heavy atmosphere filled the room. Many officials wore tense, uneasy expressions. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Yang Yi began, his voice powerful and steady. ¡°Li Yifu is suspected of seizing nearly seventy thousand acres of land. While his holdings are registered as six hundred acres, he actually controls close to one hundred thousand acres.¡± Gasps echoed through the hall as everyone looked in shock at the pale Li Yifu. Six hundred acres registered¡ªbut one hundred thousand in truth? The discrepancy was staggering, almost one hundredfold. Even Wu Zhao was taken aback. She had known some officials were confiscating land in secret, but she hadn¡¯t imagined it to be on this scale. Such greed was draining the very lifeblood of Great Zhou. Her phoenix eyes flashed with anger as she fixed Li Yifu with a cold stare. ¡°Do you have anything to say for yourself?¡± Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Li Yifu trembled, his eyes filled with fear as he knelt hurriedly. ¡°Your Majesty, please¡­ have mercy¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s gaze turned calculating, a faint, knowing smile playing at his lips. ¡°No wonder Vice Minister Li has always opposed the land survey¡ªhe clearly had a guilty conscience.¡± Li Yifu shot Yang Yi a resentful glare. If it weren¡¯t for this meddlesome man, he would never have found himself in this position. Forcing a strained smile, he muttered under his breath, ¡°Yang Shizhong, to take a life is a small thing; spare me, and I will reward you handsomely.¡± Yang Yi sneered, undeterred. ¡°Vice Minister Li, you must answer for your actions.¡± He turned to Wu Zhao and bowed. ¡°Your Majesty, the delay in implementing the ¡®Single Whip Law¡¯ and equalizing land taxes is due to lingering hopes among the officials that they can avoid scrutiny. Now that Li Yifu¡¯s abuses have been exposed, I believe only severe punishment will deter others.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s voice rang out clear and resolute. ¡°I propose we confiscate Li Yifu¡¯s property and wipe out his family as a warning to others.¡± Shock rippled through the hall at these words. Confiscate his property and wipe out his family? That would mean ending Li Yifu¡¯s entire lineage¡ªa drastic move meant to make an example of him. Li Yifu¡¯s face turned ashen, his eyes bloodshot. This had to be Yang Yi¡¯s way of using his position to settle personal scores. They had never gotten along, but this¡­ this was cruel beyond measure. ¡°Yang Yi, you are ruthless¡­,¡± he spat. ¡°I am guilty alone. Why drag my family into this?¡± Yang Yi looked at him with icy indifference. ¡°Vice Minister Li, your family has benefited from your power. How can they be exempt from sharing responsibility for your crimes? You brought this upon yourself when you chose this path.¡± Lowering his voice, he added, ¡°When you provoked me all those years ago, you should have foreseen this day.¡± Li Yifu¡¯s fury nearly boiled over. Yang Yi was a vile scoundrel, exacting personal revenge under the guise of justice. He seethed, wishing with every fiber of his being to see Yang Yi fall. In desperation, he turned back to Wu Zhao, pleading, ¡°Your Majesty, I have served Great Zhou tirelessly. I may lack merit, but I have given my all. Blinded by greed, I erred¡­ Please, grant me mercy this once, and I swear to atone with my life.¡± Wu Zhao met his gaze, considering for a moment. Then, turning to Yang Yi, she declared, ¡°Minister Yang¡¯s words are sound. We will proceed as he suggested.¡± The hall fell silent, stunned. Had the Empress truly agreed to wipe out Li Yifu¡¯s entire family? Li Yifu felt the blood drain from his face. His mind reeled, and his whole body grew numb with despair. Though the hall was warm, he felt as though he¡¯d been cast into an icy abyss. He looked pleadingly at the Empress, but she turned away, dismissing him without a second glance. His spirit broken, he collapsed to the floor. ¡­ Two days later, at the execution ground, Li Yifu was led to the platform¡ªhis movements wooden and numb. Behind him, his family¡ªall dressed in white prison garb¡ªfollowed in shackles, expressions hollow and despairing. Outside, a crowd of commoners gathered, murmuring among themselves. ¡°Who is that man?¡± ¡°I heard it¡¯s Li Yifu, the Vice Minister of the Secretariat. And those behind him¡­ his family.¡± ¡°Good heavens, it really is him! How did he end up here?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear about Prime Minister Yang¡¯s report box? Officials seizing land could be reported there.¡± ¡°Sure, but no one expected anything to actually happen. But I heard someone reported Li Yifu, and Prime Minister Yang investigated. Now, Li Yifu¡¯s whole family is set to be executed.¡± ¡°Even a high official like Li Yifu? Prime Minister Yang is truly impartial. Perhaps this report box isn¡¯t just for show.¡± The crowd buzzed, the talk of the report box reigniting interest. The fate of Li Yifu, a man whose mere presence once made the court tremble, had emboldened the commoners. They began to consider filing their own grievances. Yang Yi approached Li Yifu, whose eyes were filled with loathing. Yang Yi, unfazed, smiled coldly. ¡°In your next life, Vice Minister, don¡¯t provoke me.¡± His voice dropped to a mockingly sympathetic tone. ¡°And don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll send your entire family with you. A family should be together, after all. Think of it as a colleague¡¯s kindness.¡± Without another glance, Yang Yi signaled the executioner and left. The executioner, waiting respectfully until Yang Yi was out of sight, hefted his tiger-headed blade, sneering as he brought it down. . Li Yifu¡¯s head rolled across the ground, eyes wide in a last look of shock and pain. ¡­ The next day, an official reported to Yang Yi, ¡°Minister, three new reports have arrived since last night.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°It seems Li Yifu¡¯s execution has given the commoners a sense of hope. Bring the reports here.¡± After examining the reports, Yang Yi ordered, ¡°Let¡¯s go survey these individuals¡¯ land holdings.¡± Nearby officials felt a shiver of anxiety. They knew that Yang Yi needed no substantial proof to act. If an official was innocent, he wouldn¡¯t falsely accuse¡ªbut land seizures were common. Almost no one could escape unscathed once a land survey was ordered. Moreover, even if they could hide their land from officials, they couldn¡¯t hide it from the commoners. They didn¡¯t know who had been reported¡ªbut they knew these people were doomed. Three days later, Yang Yi uncovered another group of corrupt officials. Those with minor offences were dismissed, while serious offenders were executed. His swift and ruthless actions sent shockwaves through the court, terrifying officials while giving new hope to the commoners. With each passing day, the number of reports in the report box continued to grow. Chapter 93 Chapter 93¡°You¡¯ve executed over thirty officials this month, half of them fifth rank or higher,¡± Wu Zhao remarked with a slight frown. ¡°Are you saying you have no plans to continue?¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°My goal of intimidation has been achieved. The officials in Luoyang are all on edge now. I¡¯ve acted impartially, from high-ranking to common officials alike¡ªkilling the chicken to scare the monkeys. Now it¡¯s time to give these trembling ¡®monkeys¡¯ a chance.¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback, curiosity glimmering in her cold, noble expression. ¡°What kind of chance?¡± Yang Yi responded solemnly, ¡°If we kill them all, at least seventy percent of the positions in the Great Zhou officialdom would be vacant. By now, they must be living in constant fear. ¡°I want to give them an opportunity: anyone whose actual land ownership doesn¡¯t match the registered records should come forward, and I will spare their lives¡­¡± Wu Zhao pursed her lips, a hint of realization crossing her face. ¡°I see now. No wonder you insisted on executing Li Yifu¡¯s entire family¡ªit was to terrify the other officials.¡± Yang Yi nodded, smiling. ¡°Your Majesty is wise¡­¡± Wu Zhao gave him a peculiar look. The execution of Li Yifu¡¯s entire family, including his three-year-old grandson, had indeed sent shockwaves through the officials. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, with Yang Yi offering clemency to those who confessed, they were likely to come forward. Such a ruthless plan could only have been devised by Yang Yi; this strategy of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys was truly vicious. ¡­ In the days that followed, Yang Yi announced a one-month grace period for officials who had annexed land to confess voluntarily. Many, already terrified, stepped forward. Though they faced demotion or even dismissal, it was far better than having their entire families destroyed. One month later, Luoyang¡¯s land registry was updated. The Single Whip Law and the policy of merging the poll tax with the land tax were implemented successfully. Even the officials in the capital surrendered; how could the local officials dare resist? The land survey proceeded smoothly and met little resistance. ¡­ Great Zhou, Luoyang ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Wu Zhao frowned, reviewing the land register in her hand. ¡°These scoundrels have reported less than a hundred thousand mu of land, but in reality, they own over a million mu in Luoyang¡­¡± She sneered. ¡°It seems my territory will expand significantly after this survey.¡± Although frustrated, she also understood that land annexation was inevitable. At least in Great Zhou, the current reforms were proceeding. In a place like Han or Tang, where noble families were deeply entrenched, even these policies would face heavy resistance. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll distribute the confiscated land to tenant farmers, register all excess land owned by the gentry, and tax accordingly. ¡°This will restore Great Zhou¡¯s tax revenue to healthy levels by next year. The burdens on the poor will lessen, and within ten years, our Great Zhou will have the most populous country in the world.¡± Wu Zhao blinked in surprise. ¡°The most populous country in the world? Why do you say that?¡± Yang Yi gave her a knowing smile. ¡°With no per capita taxation, the common folk won¡¯t worry about having too many children and not being able to pay taxes. They¡¯ll have more children¡ªand there¡¯s only one thing to do at night.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s cheeks flushed, her expression still cold as she glared at Yang Yi, secretly cursing him for his boldness. ¡­ Yang Residence Yang Yi opened the system panel he hadn¡¯t looked at in a while. [Host: Yang Yi] [Poison Expert Value: 210,688] He was startled by how high his Poison Expert Value had climbed. Thinking it over, he decided to use 100,000 Poison Expert Points for a lottery draw, keeping the rest in reserve. Ding! Consumed 100,000 Poison Expert Points. Starting the lottery draw¡­ Moments later, a series of rewards flashed across the screen: Ding! Congratulations! You have received a Character Summoning Card: . Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained the Glass Making Technique. Ding! Congratulations! You have received 10 sets of lingerie. Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained 100 pieces of Glassware. Ding! Congratulations! You have received a Character Summoning Card: . Ding! Congratulations! You have received Overlord¡¯s Might. Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained the Steel Smelting Technique. Ding! Congratulations! You have received a Recruitment Order. Ding! Congratulations! You have received 10 pairs of Black Stockings. Ding! Congratulations! You have earned 1,000 ounces of gold. Yang Yi looked over his winnings in astonishment. This draw had yielded exceptional items. The character summoning cards for Yao Chong and Song Jing were especially valuable; these two were notable ministers of the Tang Dynasty, who contributed to the prosperous Kaiyuan era. Combined with the Recruitment Order, these items could help fill the vacancies created after executing the previous officials. The Glass Making and Steel Smelting techniques were cutting-edge technologies that would drive development. And Overlord¡¯s Might would further enhance his physical abilities. Just then, a warm current spread through his body, and Yang Yi felt his strength surge. At that moment, the door opened. Wei Zifu entered, carrying a bowl of ginseng soup, her light purple silk dress accentuating her graceful figure. She seemed even more plump and graceful than before, her every move exuding feminine charm. ¡°Prime Minister, I made this soup for you. Please drink it to nourish your body.¡± Yang Yi smirked inwardly. he thought, then cleared his throat. ¡°Come here¡± Wei Zifu blinked in surprise but approached him obediently. Yang Yi gently stroked her hair. ¡°Kneel down¡± She paused, but, slightly flustered, she complied. Chapter 94 Chapter 94: Calm Down, Empress¡ªThe Situation Isn¡¯t Dire Enough for You to Intervene!¡°The officials of the Zhou Dynasty were indeed subdued by Yang Yi!¡± one official murmured. ¡°Remarkably, the Single Whip Law and the policy merging the head tax with the land tax were implemented without resistance.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath, his face a mixture of astonishment and admiration. He had never expected the deeply entrenched nobles and aristocrats to be so thoroughly intimidated by Yang Yi. Zhu Biao, also taken aback, asked, ¡°Did people really file reports with his complaint office? Father, isn¡¯t he afraid of causing a major upheaval in Zhou¡¯s officialdom?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, a glint of respect showing in his weathered eyes. ¡°That¡¯s exactly his brilliance,¡± he replied. ¡°Yang Yi knew that if he followed the rules, the investigation would drag on for at least ten years. The officials would stall, undermining both decrees into oblivion. ¡°So, he fabricated complaint letters and quickly arrested Li Yifu. By ruthlessly eliminating his entire family¡ªeven the children¡ªhe sent a message, terrifying the officials into compliance.¡± ¡°He used dozens of lives to teach a lesson,¡± Zhu Yuanzhang continued. ¡°A ruthless strategy indeed.¡± Zhu Biao, realizing the depths of Yang Yi¡¯s strategy, took a deep breath. At first, he had thought Yang Yi was killing indiscriminately, but now it seemed all was premeditated. This man¡¯s methods were beyond ruthless. Even Li Yifu¡¯s little grandson had been sacrificed. Then, with a start, Zhu Biao looked at his father in disbelief. ¡°Father, did you say the letter of complaint was forged by Yang Yi? How do you know?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang snorted, ¡°Biao¡¯er, you¡¯re still too naive. Though it¡¯s just a guess, I¡¯m ninety percent sure. Think about it¡ªthe complaint box had been there for a long time, and no one dared to submit anything. ¡°Do you think an ordinary person would report a high-ranking official? Yang Yi orchestrated the letter to make an example of Li Yifu, showing the people that no official is above justice. At the same time, it warned the other officials against any illusions of impunity¡ªa masterstroke.¡± Zhu Biao nodded in shock, realizing his father was right. Zhu Yuanzhang, stroking his chin, remarked, ¡°Biao¡¯er, though you¡¯re older than Yang Yi, you still have much to learn. ¡°He¡¯s even willing to kill women and children to achieve his goals. No wonder he is seen as the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s most ruthless strategist. His methods are brutal, but he achieves results.¡± Zhu Biao shivered, reminded that his father, too, had earned a fearsome reputation in his day. But Yang Yi¡¯s ruthlessness might have even surpassed his father¡¯s. ¡­ Li Shimin stared in disbelief. ¡°Did he succeed so quickly and decisively?¡± Everyone in the hall was stunned. They had all thought Yang Yi would fail against the powerful nobles, yet he had won. Was there anything this man couldn¡¯t accomplish? The hall was silent, but Li Shimin, envious, finally spoke up. ¡°Could I attempt the Land Tax Reform and the Single Whip Law here in Tang?¡± Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling exchanged uneasy smiles. The entrenched power of the Tang aristocrats far exceeded that of Zhou. Li Shimin sighed, understanding their concern. ¡°If only Yang Yi could serve as my minister,¡± he said wistfully. I¡¯d trade ten thousand Xuanjia troops to have him here.¡± The ministers looked on, astounded; they hadn¡¯t realized just how valuable Yang Yi had become in Li Shimin¡¯s eyes. ¡­ ¡°He actually succeeded?¡± Liu Che¡¯s breath caught as he read the reports. Zhufu Yan and the others were similarly astonished. Since the Zhou Dynasty had established diplomatic relations with the Han, they had kept a close watch on its developments. They had expected Yang Yi to fail¡ªbut his decisive victory over the nobles shocked them all. Liu Che clenched his fist, turning to Zhufu Yan with a proud smile. ¡°See? If Yang Yi can succeed, then I can too, in time. Stay close to him, Zhufu Yan¡ªI admire this man¡¯s resolve.¡± Zhufu Yan nodded respectfully, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ying Zheng sat silently, the hall eerily quiet. Li Si and the other ministers watched, their thoughts roiling. None of them had imagined Yang Yi would use such a merciless strategy to swiftly bring the officials to heel. After a moment, Ying Zheng¡¯s eyes shone with an unusual gleam. ¡°I misjudged him,¡± he murmured. ¡°It¡¯s a pity I¡¯ll never meet this man¡ªtruly a regret of my life.¡± Li Si and the others were taken aback, realizing that Yang Yi had earned a place in their emperor¡¯s heart even higher than their own. ¡­ After presenting the steel smelting technology to Empress Wu Zhao, Yang Yi was met with astonishment. In this era of cold weapons, superior steel could mean the difference between victory and defeat. With Yang Yi¡¯s advanced smelting techniques, their army would be better equipped. Though the Empress didn¡¯t ask how he had come up with these methods, she marveled at his intellect. In her mind, Yang Yi was an unstoppable genius. Days later, Yang Yi organized a team to set up a small glass factory, eager to begin production. Glass would become a critical resource in time, and with his knowledge, the factory¡¯s success seemed inevitable. ¡­ Wu Zhao, frowning slightly, closed the memorial and addressed the court. ¡°For years, our Zhou Dynasty has struggled with wars and natural disasters. If not for Minister Yang bringing in silver, we might not have survived. ¡°Now, the wars are behind us, and the Qing remnants have mostly been eradicated¡­¡± Chapter 95 Chapter 95 ¡°Our Zhou Dynasty will soon take control of the Qing Dynasty¡¯s territory and expand our influence,¡± Wu Zhao declared confidently. ¡°However, I feel our economy is still lacking¡­¡± She paused, considering her words carefully. ¡°Or rather, our Zhou Dynasty lacks the industries necessary to sustain and support a strong economy. ¡°For instance, the Song Dynasty is renowned for its porcelain, the Ming Dynasty has a highly developed textile industry, the Tang Dynasty engages in extensive foreign trade, and the Han Dynasty thrives through its silk and livestock industries. ¡°Each of these dynasties enjoys geographical and commercial advantages, yet our Zhou Dynasty is somewhat lacking in these areas.¡± She glanced around the room at the assembled ministers, her clear eyes sweeping over them with a look of expectation. ¡°What ideas do you have, my ministers?¡± The room fell into thoughtful silence. The Empress was clearly determined to promote trade, but the question lingered¡ªwhat unique products or advantageous industries could the Zhou Dynasty offer? No one spoke for a long time. Wu Zhao¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing her features. She had hoped at least one of her ministers might present a viable suggestion. She had known it would be difficult for the Zhou Dynasty to develop its economy, but she hadn¡¯t expected an utter lack of ideas. Finally, Xu Chu, standing beside her, spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, I have a plan¡­¡± The courtiers exchanged uneasy glances. Xu Chu, along with generals Li Cunxiao and Dian Wei, had been recommended to the court by Yang Yi after demonstrating remarkable skill in the war against the Qing Kingdom. All three had risen in rank, becoming influential figures in the court. Xu Chu was renowned as a fierce warrior, but when it came to strategy, his plans often lacked sophistication. The ministers exchanged silent looks¡ªwhat could this general possibly offer? Wu Zhao felt a flicker of helplessness. While she respected Xu Chu¡¯s strength, his bluntness often created more trouble than solutions. She didn¡¯t believe he had any genuine strategy to propose, so she shook her head slightly. ¡°Minister Xu, do not make a fuss,¡± she said, a slight edge in her voice. Just then, Yang Yi cleared his throat, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Your Majesty, I have a plan that could significantly boost our Zhou Dynasty¡¯s trade, create new special products, and help revitalize our economy,¡± he said, his tone calm and confident. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The courtiers¡¯ expressions shifted¡ªcuriosity rising. Shangguan Wan¡¯er, in particular, blinked; her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Wu Zhao¡¯s face, usually cold and composed, shifted slightly in thought. she thought. She then recalled Xu Chu. ¡°By the way, Minister Xu, what was your plan?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes widened. His mouth twitched as he realized what was happening. Everyone seemed to be afraid of him. Seeing the others¡¯ wary looks, he felt a tinge of helplessness. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he began, a slight note of frustration creeping into his voice, ¡°I truly do have a plan.¡± Wu Zhao gave him a brief nod. ¡°I understand. But I think your plan may not be necessary at this moment. I only wish to revive trade in our Zhou Dynasty, not bring devastation,¡± she added. Yang Yi was momentarily stunned. He managed a tight smile and responded with forced patience. ¡°Your Majesty, I assure you, my plan is not destructive this time.¡± Wu Zhao, still half-skeptical, glanced at him. This was the same Yang Yi whose strategies were often marked by bloodshed. She found it hard to believe that his plan was anything but ruthless. The courtiers shared her concern, and Wei Yuanzhong, one of the elder statesmen, cleared his throat. ¡°Minister Yang, as an elder, let me speak,¡± he said gently. ¡°You have done more than enough for our Zhou Dynasty by fulfilling your duties as a minister. There is no need for you to intervene in this matter. We, the older generation, will handle the development of trade.¡± Xu Jingzong and the others nodded in agreement. Their expressions suggested they were more than capable of handling this task themselves, without the help of someone with Yang Yi¡¯s reputation for bloodshed. Yang Yi exhaled, his patience wearing thin. Wu Zhao seemed to remember something, her expression shifting as she spoke again. ¡°The envoy from the Song Dynasty has arrived today, I believe,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°I heard they are here to learn about our method of smallpox inoculation. We shall address this matter first.¡± She rose, signaling the end of the discussion. ¡°I am tired. Let us adjourn the court.¡± Yang Yi was taken aback but quickly bowed. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ ¡° there¡¯s really a difference in going out. Staying in that shabby place, Bianjing, was making me feel mouldy,¡± a finely dressed, smooth-haired young man said with a smile. Beside him stood a dignified middle-aged man. ¡°The capital of the Zhou Dynasty, Luoyang, is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. You should take a walk later, my dear nephew,¡± the older man said. This was Zhu Dong, the Weiyuan Jiedushi of the Song Dynasty, and next to him was Gao Qiu¡¯s son, Gao Kan. Gao Kan chuckled. ¡°Of course, Uncle. I won¡¯t interfere with your official business. I¡¯ll go for a walk later.¡± Zhu Dong nodded slightly. ¡°You may go, my dear nephew. I¡¯ll have someone notify you when it¡¯s time to leave.¡± While Zhu Dong didn¡¯t think much of Gao Kan, he knew to show respect because of his relation to Gao Qiu. This trip to the Zhou Dynasty was official, after all. ¡­ ¡°You¡¯ve matured a lot since you¡¯ve been with General Heichi,¡± Wei Zifu said as she walked with her brother, Wei Qing, through the streets of Luoyang. ¡°But you¡¯ve also become rather rough from the military life. Come, let me buy you some new clothes.¡± Wei Qing glanced at his radiant sister and whispered, ¡°Brother-in-law¡­ how does he treat you?¡± Wei Zifu¡¯s expression grew more serious as she looked at him, her usual gentle demeanour replaced by a note of caution. ¡°What do you mean ¡®brother-in-law¡¯? I am simply a servant at the side of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is our benefactor. Do not become too dependent on him, and be careful not to cause any trouble.¡± As a former singer, Wei Zifu knew the capricious nature of those in power. What if her brother¡¯s words reached Yang Yi¡¯s ears and displeased him? Wei Zifu felt a pang of unease. Her brother Wei Qing, once just a stable hand at Princess Pingyang¡¯s residence, had grown under the Prime Minister¡¯s tutelage and had even been promoted to captain. She was grateful for the opportunities Yang Yi had provided. Despite becoming a citizen of the Zhou Dynasty, Wei Zifu didn¡¯t regret the change. She had been a slave in the Han Dynasty, and here, at least, the Prime Minister treated her well. But Yang Yi¡¯s persistence made it difficult for her to handle at times. Her thoughts flushed her cheeks with a faint blush. Wei Qing scratched his head awkwardly. ¡°The Prime Minister told me to call him that and said that, if there¡¯s a chance in the future, he will give you the status of a concubine¡­¡± Wei Zifu stopped short, stunned. ¡°Really?¡± Wei Qing smiled. ¡°Why would the Prime Minister lie to someone like me?¡± Wei Zifu¡¯s heart fluttered. While she had been willing to serve as a maid to the Prime Minister, becoming a concubine would be a much greater honor. A soft chuckle interrupted their conversation. ¡°, such a beautiful lady. Why be someone¡¯s concubine? Why not follow me instead?¡± a voice said with a greasy tone. ¡°You will live in luxury, eat and drink well, wear gold and silver¡­¡± Wei Qing immediately turned, placing himself protectively in front of his sister. His sharp eyes glared coldly at Gao Kan, who was now within earshot. Gao Kan felt a chill run down his spine, sensing the danger in Wei Qing¡¯s gaze. He had overheard part of their conversation and, mistaking Wei Zifu for a maid, had tried to strike up a conversation. Seeing her beauty, he assumed she would be interested. But he hadn¡¯t anticipated Wei Qing¡¯s fierce reaction. ¡°So, young lady, what do you think? Would you like to consider it?¡± Gao Kan sneered, ignoring the warning in Wei Qing¡¯s eyes. Chapter 96 Chapter 96: Teaching Wei Zifu a Lesson! Wei Qing was furious. ¡°How dare you! Where did this scoundrel come from?¡± he shouted. ¡°Get out of here immediately!¡± Wei Zifu¡¯s face was cold. With a deep frown, she said calmly, ¡°Sir, I already have someone I care about. Please do not disturb me.¡± She gently tugged on Wei Qing¡¯s sleeve, signaling for them to leave. After all, Gao Kan¡¯s clothes did not look like those of an ordinary person. Though Yang Yi¡¯s power made her fearless, she preferred caution, not wanting to cause trouble for Yang Yi. Wei Qing understood her concern, casting a fierce look at Gao Kan before preparing to leave with his sister. However, Gao Kan¡ªan infamous troublemaker in Bianjing under the influence of his father, Gao Qiu¡ªwas not someone to back down. Wei Qing, though fierce in appearance, still looked like a mere teenager, a young boy. After all, the beauty in front of him was far superior to anything he had seen in Bianjing. Gao Kan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, blocking their path. ¡°Stop!¡± he sneered. ¡°Did I give you permission to go?¡± Wei Qing raised his eyebrows, his expression icy. After a few months in the army, he was no longer the stable boy he once was. If not for his sister¡¯s restraint, Gao Kan would be picking his teeth off the ground by now. Wei Zifu spoke coldly, ¡°What do you want?¡± Gao Kan¡¯s eyes lingered on Wei Zifu with a greedy look. He smiled, ¡°You¡¯re not dressed very well. How about this: come with me now, and I¡¯ll buy you clothes that rival those of noble ladies, along with some jewelry. How does that sound?¡± Wei Zifu refused firmly. ¡°No need.¡± She then pulled Wei Qing and started walking in the opposite direction. This was the first time Gao Kan had been met with such coldness. Stunned for a moment, he quickly reached out to grab her hand as she turned to leave. Unable to hold back his fury any longer, Wei Qing kicked out forcefully. Before Gao Kan could even touch the hem of Wei Zifu¡¯s clothes, he felt a sharp pain in his chest as Wei Qing¡¯s powerful kick sent him flying backward, landing heavily on the ground. ¡­ At Honglu Temple, a servant rushed into Zhu Dong¡¯s quarters. ¡°Master Zhu, the young master has been beaten,¡± the servant said urgently. Zhu Dong¡¯s expression darkened. Gao Kan, beaten? His eyelid twitched, and he rose quickly. ¡°Let¡¯s go, take me there¡­¡± ¡­ ¡°How are the Song Dynasty envoys?¡± Yang Yi asked casually. The Vice Minister of Honglu Temple, Liu Gao, replied respectfully, ¡°The envoys from the Song Dynasty have been arranged to rest at Honglu Temple. Does Prime Minister Yang wish to see them?¡± Yang Yi pondered for a moment. ¡°No hurry¡­¡± At that moment, a maid ran over, panting. ¡°Prime Minister¡­ Miss Wei is in trouble.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as his gaze sharpened. ¡°What happened to her?¡± Wei Zifu was important to him in many ways. Not only did she affect the future of the Twin Pillars of the Empire, but he had also grown quite fond of this kind and beautiful girl over the past few months. The maid quickly replied, ¡°She¡¯s fine, but her brother Wei Qing beat up the Song Dynasty envoy.¡± Liu Gao, standing nearby, was stunned. He had just informed the prime minister that the Song Dynasty¡¯s envoys were resting quietly at Honglu Temple. And now they were causing trouble? Yang Yi, relieved that Wei Zifu was unharmed said calmly, ¡°Did Wei Qing hit someone? Very well. Let¡¯s go and see.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the maid responded quickly. ¡­ At the Yamen, Zhu Dong frowned at the groaning Gao Kan and turned to Magistrate Zhang Feng. ¡°Magistrate Zhang, you heard clearly. My nephew did nothing wrong and was beaten,¡± Zhu Dong said, his tone disapproving. Zhang Feng nodded respectfully. ¡°Rest assured, Master Zhu. Since your nephew was beaten by these two, they will certainly cover his medical expenses. I will ensure a fair trial.¡± Wei Qing, standing nearby, looked dissatisfied. ¡°Magistrate Zhang, it was this scoundrel who first harassed my sister, so I acted. Why should we pay for his medical treatment?¡± Gao Kan sneered, clutching his chest. ¡°You hit me so hard that my chest still hurts. No way¡ªyou have to compensate me with at least one hundred ounces of gold, or you will not leave this Yamen today.¡± Magistrate Zhang Feng¡¯s brow furrowed, his displeasure barely concealed. Though this was his Yamen, the spoiled envoy acted as if he owned the place. Yet, because Gao Kan was a Song Dynasty envoy, Zhang Feng glared at Wei Qing in anger. ¡°Do you realize that you¡¯ve injured an envoy of the Song Dynasty? If this affects our countries¡¯ diplomatic relations, can you bear the responsibility?¡± Wei Qing and Wei Zifu¡¯s expressions changed. Were these people actually envoys from the Song Dynasty? Gao Kan sneered. ¡°It¡¯s not too late to apologize to me now. Besides, your sister must come with me. I¡¯ve taken a liking to her.¡± Zhu Dong shot Gao Kan a warning glare, but the young man seemed unperturbed. If it weren¡¯t for his father, Gao Qiu, Zhu Dong would have already scolded him for his brazen behavior. Magistrate Zhang Feng¡¯s eyelid twitched, but he pretended not to hear Gao Kan¡¯s words. Wei Qing, burned with anger, ¡°Do you think you¡¯re worthy?¡± Wei Zifu tugged at Wei Qing¡¯s sleeve, signaling him not to mention Yang Yi¡¯s name. These were envoys from the Song Dynasty, and if they caused trouble for Yang Yi, it would be disastrous. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wei Qing took a deep breath, understanding his sister¡¯s caution. He then spoke with resolve. ¡°I am a captain under General Heichi Changzhi. Today¡¯s incident was provoked by that man. I will not pay for his medical treatment.¡± Magistrate Zhang Feng was taken aback. A captain under General Heichi Changzhi? He scrutinized the siblings, noting their plain clothing. Although Wei Zifu was clean and beautiful, she was clearly not a noble lady, only an ordinary maid. And though Wei Qing was a captain, Zhang Feng assumed he held no significant authority, perhaps just a squad leader. Zhang Feng spoke coldly. ¡°While I respect General Heichi, you hurt someone. You should pay for it. Apologize and compensate him immediately.¡± Zhu Dong raised his eyebrows. He hadn¡¯t expected Wei Qing to be an officer, but he doubted it would matter. As an envoy of the Song Dynasty, he knew the officials in the Zhou Kingdom wouldn¡¯t dare oppose him. Confident, he expected Magistrate Zhang to handle this properly. Wei Qing shook with anger, dismayed to find his own country¡¯s officials siding with foreign envoys. Impatiently, Zhang Feng demanded, ¡°Apologize quickly. If this escalates, you won¡¯t be able to handle the consequences.¡± Wei Qing glared at Zhang Feng, his expression fierce. Zhang Feng flinched, anger flaring within him. This defiant commoner was truly insolent. He snorted. ¡°So you¡¯re refusing to apologize?¡± He gave the order. ¡°Then you will taste the rod! Let¡¯s see if your bones are as hard as you think. Men hit him!¡± Just as the Yamen officers lifted their water and fire staff, a voice rang out. ¡°Stop!¡± Everyone froze, turning to see a middle-aged man in a crimson robe rushing in, his voice firm. Behind him, a man dressed in luxurious attire, with a handsome face and a subtle smile, followed slowly. Chapter 97 Chapter 97Zhang Feng¡¯s expression shifted. Although he didn¡¯t recognize the young man behind him, he certainly recognized the official in front. He quickly addressed him, ¡°Your subordinate salutes Vice Minister Liu¡­¡± Liu Gao glared, ignoring Zhang Feng¡¯s flattery, and turned to look at Zhu Dong. Naturally, Zhu Dong recognized the vice minister of Honglu Temple and smiled. ¡°Vice Minister Liu, is this matter really concerning you? It¡¯s truly just a minor issue.¡± He assumed that the vice minister of Honglu Temple had come specifically for him. Seeing this high-ranking official from the Zhou Kingdom arrive, Gao Kan¡¯s smugness intensified. He looked at the stunned Wei Zifu and smiled. ¡°You see? My status is not ordinary. If you follow me, you¡¯ll enjoy endless wealth and luxury.¡± Wei Zifu and Wei Qing had been momentarily stunned by Yang Yi¡¯s entrance, their minds blank. Hearing Gao Kan¡¯s words snapped Wei Zifu out of her daze, and she quickly turned to Yang Yi. ¡°Prime Minister, I have nothing to do with him. It was he who¡­¡± She quickly explained everything that had happened, fearing that Yang Yi might misunderstand. Yang Yi only smiled, gently patting Wei Zifu¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Those few words brought tears to Wei Zifu¡¯s eyes. She had always been careful not to cause Yang Yi any trouble. The life she had now was something she cherished deeply, and the thought of him disliking her because of this incident was unbearable. She had been cautious, never daring to be a burden to him. But now, her pent-up grievances surged forward. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Quickly, she wiped them away and whispered, ¡°Prime Minister, do I look ugly when I cry?¡± Yang Yi paused, slightly amused. She was actually worried about her appearance right now? He gently touched her cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my silly girl is always beautiful.¡± Wei Zifu blushed, her heart racing with both shyness and joy at his words¡ª¡±my girl.¡± Meanwhile, Gao Kan seethed with jealousy. This woman showed him no interest at all, but in front of this handsome young man, she was all shy and demure. And ¡°Prime Minister¡±? Who was this boy to flaunt such an unusual title? They were being affectionate right in front of him? He scoffed. ¡°Your wife, huh? Her brother injured me. Unless you pay a thousand ounces of gold today, neither of you is leaving!¡± Yang Yi didn¡¯t even look at him. He answered calmly, ¡°Noisy. Wei Qing, slap him.¡± Wei Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Yes!¡± He had been restraining his anger, but now, with Yang Yi¡¯s permission, he no longer held back. Wei Qing stepped forward and, with all his strength, delivered a fierce slap. Gao Kan let out a shrill scream as he was sent flying, spinning midair before crashing to the ground, nearly losing his front teeth. His agonized scream echoed through the yamen, leaving Zhu Dong, Zhang Feng, and Liu Gao bewildered. Liu Gao had initially intended to de-escalate the situation, thinking it unwise for the Prime Minister¡¯s identity to be revealed here. But now, seeing the conflict escalate to a physical altercation, he stood speechless. Zhang Feng was furious. These people were out of control in his own county yamen. How could he ever explain this to the vice minister? Suppressing his anger, Zhang Feng demanded coldly, ¡°Where did these lowly commoners come from, acting so brazenly here?¡± He directed the question toward Yang Yi, though it was veiled. Liu Gao¡¯s face paled. Was this fool looking for death? He glared at Zhang Feng, eyes wide, nearly spitting in his face. ¡°Impudent! How dare you speak to Prime Minister Yang with such disrespect!¡± The yamen fell silent, the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on everyone. ¡°Prime Minister Yang?¡± Zhang Feng froze, staring at the smiling Yang Yi in shock as a chill ran from his feet to his head. His legs went weak, and he dropped to his knees with a thud. ¡°Prime¡­ Prime Minister, please forgive me. Your subordinate didn¡¯t recognize you, please spare my life!¡± Tears welled up in Zhang Feng¡¯s eyes. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhu Dong took a deep breath, staring at Yang Yi in astonishment. Gao Kan, clutching his swollen face, was equally shocked. The other yamen officers, trembling in fear, bowed before Yang Yi. Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. Was his reputation really so infamous? He looked at Zhang Feng with a slight smile. ¡°I¡¯ll be taking her with me. It seems the position of county magistrate in the capital isn¡¯t suitable for you. Take some time to rest at home.¡± Zhang Feng¡¯s face went ashen, as though he had just lost a loved one. With a single sentence, Yang Yi had made his years of effort meaningless. Meanwhile, Zhu Dong felt uneasy. He had come to meet Yang Yi but hadn¡¯t expected to offend him so soon. Stepping forward, he introduced himself. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, I am Zhu Dong, the Weiyuan Jiedushi of the Great Song¡­¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. The name sounded familiar¡ªhe was one of the Six Traitors of Northern Song, along with Cai Jing and others. He replied calmly, ¡°Today¡¯s incident was just a misunderstanding. What do you think, Lord Zhu?¡± Zhu Dong quickly agreed, ¡°Indeed, it was a misunderstanding. I¡¯ll personally bring my nephew to your residence in the coming days to formally apologize.¡± Yang Yi gave a slight smile and left with Wei Qing and Wei Zifu, ignoring Zhu Dong entirely. Once they left, the tense atmosphere in the yamen eased. Many officers who had been on edge felt immense relief, though no one mocked anyone else. Who wouldn¡¯t be scared? Offending another high-ranking official might get you fired, but if you offended the living Yama King, you and your family might not live to see the next day. ¡­ ¡°Ying¡­¡± Wei Zifu clutched her backside, letting out a pained whimper. Yang Yi, expressionless, withdrew his hand. ¡°Do you know what you did wrong?¡± Wei Zifu murmured, ¡°I know.¡± ¡°And what was your mistake?¡± Yang Yi narrowed his eyes. Wei Zifu replied softly, ¡°Not mentioning your name earlier¡­¡± Yang Yi nodded. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°My name in the Great Zhou might not shake Luoyang, but it¡¯ll at least stop the children from crying.¡± Wei Zifu responded shyly, ¡°I was afraid of causing you trouble, Prime Minister.¡± Realizing that she might have spoken out of turn, she quickly added, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that you¡¯re afraid of trouble, Prime Minister. I just¡­ didn¡¯t want to burden you.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, resisting the urge to scold her further. He understood her thoughts. Smiling, he reassured her. ¡°Next time, don¡¯t think like that. Your Prime Minister in Luoyang can handle anyone.¡± ¡°Yes, Prime Minister,¡± Wei Zifu whispered. ¡°Good,¡± Yang Yi nodded. ¡°Now, bend over.¡± Wei Zifu¡¯s fair face turned crimson as she bit her lip. ¡°More punishment?¡± Yang Yi replied firmly, ¡°To help you remember.¡± Chapter 98 Chapter 98: Yang Yi¡¯s Relentless Revenge!The next day, Yang Yi awoke feeling refreshed. After ¡®disciplining¡¯ Wei Zifu all night, she was still lying on the bed, breathing steadily as she rested. ¡­ Wei Qing stood at attention. Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°How was your time with Heichi Changzhi these past few months?¡± Wei Qing replied promptly, ¡°I learned a great deal from General Heichi.¡± Yang Yi nodded, then shifted the topic. ¡°Do you know why Magistrate Zhang acted so fiercely toward our Great Zhou citizens yesterday, yet humbled himself before the envoy from Song?¡± Wei Qing hesitated, his chiseled face reflecting confusion. The memory of yesterday¡¯s events still filled him with anger, but the question left him at a loss. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because the envoy from Song holds a higher status than us. Favoring us might risk conflict between the two countries.¡± Yang Yi shook his head, his calm gaze meeting Wei Qing¡¯s. ¡°The main reason is that our Great Zhou is not strong enough. Weakness fosters officials who grovel before foreigners. ¡°If our Great Zhou were invincible, foreign envoys would come to flatter us instead. Why should we fear them? ¡°Therefore, our Great Zhou must become stronger¡ªstrong enough that no one dares to act arrogantly within our borders. And the strength of a country depends on the service of its talents.¡± Wei Qing¡¯s heart trembled. ¡°Wei Qing will surely serve Great Zhou to the death!¡± Yang Yi nodded approvingly and patted his shoulder. ¡°Study diligently and train hard. There will surely be a place for you in the Great Zhou Army in the future.¡± Wei Qing¡¯s excitement was evident. Just months ago, he had been a mere stable hand, and now the Prime Minister himself had placed trust in him. Renewed determination filled him as he departed the Yang residence. ¡­ Half an hour later, a maid entered and bowed. ¡°Prime Minister, two men claiming to be envoys from Song have arrived to see you.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. Zhu Dong had come. ¡°Let them in.¡± ¡°Yes, Prime Minister.¡± Outside the Yang residence¡­ ¡°Uncle Zhu, we are not subjects of the Zhou Dynasty. Why must we grovel before Yang Yi?¡± Gao Kan muttered, his expression sullen. His left cheek, still swollen and bruised, lent a comical air to his indignation. Zhu Dong sighed. ¡°Although we are not afraid of Yang Yi, we are here under the Emperor¡¯s orders. If you ruin the Emperor¡¯s plans, can you bear the consequences? When we meet Yang Yi, you must not cause trouble.¡± Gao Kan¡¯s pride bristled, but Zhu Dong¡¯s warning left him no choice but to stifle his resentment. The maid returned. ¡°The Prime Minister invites the two guests into the hall.¡± Zhu Dong gave Gao Kan a pointed look, and together, they stepped toward the hall. Moments later, inside the hall¡­ Zhu Dong bowed with a cheerful smile. ¡°Your humble servant greets Prime Minister Yang.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression remained composed. ¡°Minister Zhu, you are too kind.¡± Zhu Dong continued smoothly, ¡°Prime Minister, my nephew here has been spoiled since childhood. Yesterday, upon his arrival, he accidentally offended Miss Wei. Fortunately, it was a misunderstanding. He realizes his mistake and has come to apologize.¡± Gao Kan managed a stiff bow. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, I was wrong. Please do not hold it against me.¡± Yang Yi remained indifferent, his gaze never landing on Gao Kan. Instead, he turned to Zhu Dong. ¡°Minister Zhu, what brings you to our Great Zhou this time?¡± Zhu Dong smiled ingratiatingly. ¡°I am here on the Emperor¡¯s orders to seek your advice on the prevention of smallpox.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile warmed slightly. ¡°Very well. I will have someone send you the method for preventing smallpox later. If that is all, Minister Zhu, you may take your leave.¡± Gao Kan¡¯s face darkened with outrage. After such a long journey, they hadn¡¯t even been offered seats. Now, after a mere exchange of pleasantries, they were being dismissed? Zhu Dong¡¯s eyelids twitched. Suppressing his irritation, he forced a smile. ¡°Prime Minister, I have another matter to discuss with His Majesty.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. It was obvious that the Song envoy had not come merely for smallpox prevention. That method had already been widely disseminated; the Song could obtain it with minimal effort. ¡°Please, Minister Zhu, speak. Whether you tell me or Her Majesty, it is the same. I can deliver the message on your behalf.¡± Zhu Dong¡¯s expression stiffened. As the envoy of the Great Song, he had not anticipated being denied an audience with the Emperess of Great Zhou. ¡°Our Empress passed away years ago, leaving the position vacant. The Emperor has heard that the Third Princess of Great Zhou is virtuous, graceful, and well-educated. He wishes to marry her as the new Empress of Song.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. Seeing Yang Yi remain silent, Zhu Dong added, ¡°I have also heard that your country has developed a new type of gunpowder. Our Song Dynasty has considerable experience with firearms. If our two countries were to form a marriage alliance, we could exchange expertise in gunpowder research, benefitting both nations.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi¡¯s lips twitched. Zhu Dong¡¯s words revealed the truth¡ªthis was no simple marriage proposal. Their real objective was Great Zhou¡¯s gunpowder technology. Yang Yi regarded Zhu Dong with thinly veiled annoyance. Great Zhou was no longer the feeble state it had once been. Yang Yi had been hesitant to deceive the envoy, but now the truth was evident: the arrogant Song Dynasty could never be a genuine ally to Great Zhou. Gao Kan interjected arrogantly, ¡°Our Emperor hasn¡¯t taken an Empress in many years. It would be a great honor for your princess to marry into Song and become our Empress.¡± Zhu Dong nodded, seeing no fault in Gao Kan¡¯s words. In his view, the wealthiest nation in the Central Plains was offering an unparalleled honor. Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°I will relay this matter to Her Majesty.¡± Zhu Dong nodded. After all, his job was simply to deliver the Emperor¡¯s message. Yang Yi suddenly smiled and changed the subject. ¡°Minister Zhu, I have heard that Song is the wealthiest country in the Central Plains?¡± Zhu Dong was taken aback. He hadn¡¯t expected Yang Yi to suddenly bring up Song¡¯s economy. Zhu Dong smiled faintly, quite proud. Chapter 99 Chapter 99: A Profitable Opportunity¡°Prime Minister Yang, you are absolutely right,¡± Zhu Dong said proudly. ¡°Our Song Dynasty¡¯s trade is flourishing. The capital city of Bianjing is rich in water resources, with merchants coming and going in an endless stream. A few years ago, our annual revenue reached 1.6 billion ¡ªunmatched anywhere in the world.¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°Wealth is indeed a great thing.¡± He shifted the topic with an amiable tone. ¡°I have heard that the largest market in the Central Plains is in Song. I happen to have some treasures I¡¯d like to sell. I wonder if Minister Zhu could assist me?¡± Zhu Dong blinked in surprise. ¡°Treasures?¡± He leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. ¡°What kind of treasures are you referring to, Prime Minister Yang?¡± Even Gao Kan, who had remained quiet, now looked intrigued. Yang Yi pulled out a crystal-clear glass cup from his sleeve. Its flawless transparency and craftsmanship immediately captivated both men. Zhu Dong and Gao Kan gasped, their eyes widening in astonishment. ¡°A glass cup!¡± Zhu Dong exclaimed, his voice trembling with awe. Although neither of them was particularly knowledgeable about such items, they recognized the value of what they were seeing. A single glass cup like this could command an astronomical price in Song, and presenting it to the Emperor would surely earn great merit. Zhu Dong¡¯s gaze turned greedy as he stared at the cup in Yang Yi¡¯s hand. ¡°Prime Minister Yang,¡± he asked carefully, ¡°how do you plan to sell this cup?¡± Gao Kan¡¯s eyes gleamed with the same avarice. He even licked his lips unconsciously. Glass was a rare luxury, and one of such clarity was practically priceless. Instead of answering, Yang Yi took out five more identical cups, placing them neatly before them. ¡°I have a few more of these glass cups,¡± Yang Yi said with a calm smile. Both men inhaled sharply, utterly dumbfounded. Zhu Dong¡¯s face contorted in disbelief. ¡°More of them?¡± Gao Kan¡¯s scalp tingled. He had heard tales that even the Emperor of Song owned only a single set of glass cups. Yet here, before his eyes, was a collection of unparalleled quality. Zhu Dong swallowed hard, struggling to compose himself. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, are you saying you have a¡­ batch of these?¡± Yang Yi cleared his throat. ¡°Indeed. These glass items are heirlooms passed down through my family. I¡¯d like to sell them in Song for a good price.¡± Zhu Dong¡¯s breathing grew heavier, his mind racing with the possibilities. If he managed to sell these, the profits would be staggering. Eager to seize the opportunity, he quickly offered, ¡°Prime Minister Yang, please entrust this matter to me.¡± Gao Kan, alarmed by Zhu Dong¡¯s swift claim, interjected hurriedly. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, my father is Gao Qiu, the Chief Marshal of Song. If this glassware is entrusted to him, he will undoubtedly secure an excellent price for you!¡± Zhu Dong shot Gao Kan a furious glare, silently cursing him for trying to steal the opportunity. Yang Yi ignored their rivalry and maintained his warm demeanor. ¡°There¡¯s no need to argue. I can entrust this batch of glassware to both of you.¡± He gestured toward the six cups on display. ¡°I assure you, this batch is of the highest quality and unique in the world. I¡¯ve set the price for each piece. Once you have them, how much you sell them for is entirely up to you. It has nothing to do with me.¡± His calm tone carried a hint of finality. ¡°Of course, the condition is that you can handle the entire batch.¡± Zhu Dong and Gao Kan¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. Yang Yi was offering them the chance to profit immensely. Both men nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Rest assured, Prime Minister Yang!¡± Driven by the prospect of wealth, even Gao Kan set aside his earlier animosity. Yang Yi clapped his hands, and several attendants brought in boxes. When the boxes were opened, the room seemed to light up with the brilliance of the glassware within. Zhu Dong and Gao Kan were stunned. The craftsmanship of the glass was exquisite, each piece appearing more valuable than the last. Their astonishment grew as they counted the items. They gasped in unison. There were nearly one hundred pieces! They had initially expected only a dozen or so. Zhu Dong couldn¡¯t help but wonder if even the Emperor¡¯s collection paled in comparison to this batch. Yang Yi¡¯s calm voice broke their reverie. ¡°This is a set of one hundred glass items. To my knowledge, these are the only ones in existence.¡± He paused for effect before continuing, ¡°Each piece is priced at 400,000 yuans. The total for the batch is 50 million yuans¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The room fell silent. Zhu Dong and Gao Kan stared at Yang Yi, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief. ¡°Fifty million strings of cash?¡± Zhu Dong repeated, his voice barely audible. Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°These are unique treasures. Do you think a single piece cannot be sold for more than 400,000 strings?¡± Zhu Dong exhaled sharply, nodding. ¡°Such rare treasures are truly priceless. They could easily sell for that amount.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m simply saving myself the trouble of selling them individually. Otherwise, I could easily sell them piece by piece to Qin, Han, Tang, or even the grassland nations and fetch much higher prices. This batch is a bargain.¡± The two men exchanged glances. They couldn¡¯t deny the logic. Selling these items separately would undoubtedly yield profits exceeding 80 million yuans. Now, with a batch price of 50 million, they stood to earn an additional 30 million in profit. Thirty million strings of cash! The sheer magnitude of the potential profit made their heads spin. But there was one issue: they couldn¡¯t raise such a staggering amount of money. Zhu Dong hesitated before speaking. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, we understand the value of these treasures. However, we simply cannot gather 50 million strings of cash at once.¡± Gao Kan nodded repeatedly, his eyes glinting with greed as he fixated on the glassware. Missing this opportunity would surely haunt him for the rest of his life. Yang Yi observed their reactions, a faint, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Yang Yi, feigning nonchalance, said, ¡°If you can¡¯t come up with fifty million strings of cash, I can¡¯t give it to you. ¡°But just because you lack the funds doesn¡¯t mean the Song nobles do. You can collect the money from them to make up the amount, right? ¡°This is a guaranteed profitable business. If I weren¡¯t so preoccupied with state affairs, and if the treasury weren¡¯t in dire need of funds, how could I offer you such an opportunity?¡± Zhu Dong and Gao Kan¡¯s eyes lit up with realization. Of course¡ªthey could pool the resources of Song¡¯s wealthy nobles to seize this golden opportunity. Chapter 100 Chapter 100: The Sinister Plot to Bankrupt the Song People! Zhu Dong and Gao Kan were enlightened by Yang Yi¡¯s words, their eyes suddenly brightening. ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± They couldn¡¯t personally muster such a colossal sum, but that didn¡¯t mean the wealthy merchants and nobles of Bianjing couldn¡¯t. At worst, they could share some of the profits. That way, everyone would benefit. Although this would reduce their share compared to splitting the profits between the two of them, pooling resources was the only way they could obtain Yang Yi¡¯s glassware. Without cooperation, they¡¯d gain nothing. Zhu Dong clenched his jaw. ¡°Minister Yang, let us return and discuss this matter. After all, 50 million guans is no small amount.¡± Gao Kan swallowed hard and nodded, his beady eyes fixed on the glass before him, as if unable to tear himself away. Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°Alright.¡± Casually, he picked up three pieces of glass and placed them in front of them. ¡°These three pieces can be temporarily returned to the Song state. That way, the nobles there won¡¯t think I¡¯m merely showing off.¡± Zhu Dong and Gao Kan froze, stunned. They stared at Yang Yi in disbelief, shocked by his audacity. Wasn¡¯t he afraid they¡¯d abscond with the glass? Zhu Dong inhaled deeply, his teeth gritted. ¡°Minister Yang, rest assured, we won¡¯t betray your trust.¡± Each piece was worth a fortune¡ªnearly one million guan altogether! To say they weren¡¯t tempted would be a lie. But there were still a hundred pieces left. Sacrificing the bigger picture for momentary greed would be foolish. ¡­ After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhu Dong and Gao Kan left Yang Yi¡¯s residence, carefully wrapping the three jars of glass. Yang Yi returned to his room, a smile playing on his lips. Inside, Wei Zifu was lying on the couch, though she was already awake. At the sight of Yang Yi, she hurriedly sat up, her cheeks tinged with pink. ¡°Minister¡­¡± She hesitated, her voice soft. ¡°Your servant was just a little tired. I¡¯ll get up now to serve you¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled warmly. ¡°If you¡¯re tired, just rest. Why get up?¡± He moved closer, his hands reaching for his belt. ¡°You can serve me right here.¡± Wei Zifu¡¯s fair cheeks turned crimson, her rosy lips parting slightly as her wide eyes filled with shock. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Yang Yi paused, his expression souring. A maid¡¯s voice called from outside. ¡°Prime Minister, His Majesty requests your presence in the palace.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched in frustration. ¡°Well, the timing couldn¡¯t be worse,¡± he muttered, gently pinching Wei Zifu¡¯s cheek. ¡°Wait for me.¡± Wei Zifu nodded shyly, her face still flushed. ¡­ ¡°I heard you had a conflict with the Song envoy?¡± Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her tone curious. The ministers exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with amusement. Yang Yi smiled warmly. ¡°It was just a misunderstanding.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°How strange. I heard you dismissed a county magistrate over a woman and even had Gao Qiu¡¯s son beaten.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Slander, all of it. Now the Song envoy treats me like his own father.¡± The surrounding ministers couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Wu Zhao appeared slightly annoyed. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve already handled it. I was planning to support you, but clearly, a few emissaries from Song aren¡¯t enough to trouble you.¡± Yang Yi blinked in surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected Wu Zhao¡¯s offer of backing. A warm feeling surged in his chest, and he smiled. ¡°Of course, Your Majesty. As your loyal minister, how could I let a few fools from Song trouble me?¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Wu Zhao mused, her eyes narrowing. ¡°You didn¡¯t use some underhanded trick, did you?¡± The ministers turned to Yang Yi, their expressions curious and knowing. Yang Yi adopted a righteous demeanor. ¡°Your Majesty, how could I possibly resort to such means?¡± Wei Yuanzhong chuckled, stroking his beard. ¡°Minister Yang is known as the Living Yama. If those Song envoys didn¡¯t suffer a little, he wouldn¡¯t be Prime Minister Yang.¡± Considering Yang Yi¡¯s age, the term ¡°Prime Minister¡± was clearly a jest, and the hall erupted in laughter. Yang Yi cleared his throat, feigning innocence. ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood me entirely. I wasn¡¯t trying to trick them¡ªI was trying to fool the entire Song nobility.¡± The laughter abruptly stopped as everyone turned to Yang Yi in confusion. ¡°Trick the Song nobility?¡± Wu Zhao was momentarily stunned, her expression unreadable. After a pause, she asked, ¡°Why are you suddenly targeting Song?¡± All eyes remained fixed on Yang Yi. Yang Yi¡¯s tone grew serious. ¡°Your Majesty, the Song are shameless¡­¡± He recounted Zhu Dong and Gao Kan¡¯s audacious demands. The room was stunned. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Song dared to target us?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes narrowed, her displeasure evident. ¡°This Song Emperor Zhao Ji is absurd. He¡¯s barely forty and already dreams of marrying a princess of Great Zhou? Does he think we¡¯re the small kingdom we once were? ¡°And gunpowder, a core secret of Great Zhou? Even powerful dynasties like Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming never demanded it. Who does he think he is?¡± Yang Yi chuckled. ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s been so comfortable in his wealth that he¡¯s forgotten what Great Zhou is capable of. In his eyes, our Great Zhou must still seem inferior to Song. That arrogance is why he made such an outrageous demand.¡± Wu Zhao sneered coldly. ¡°A man like that isn¡¯t even worthy of establishing diplomatic relations with Great Zhou. If Song dares make a move, we¡¯ll march to war. Our Great Zhou is not what it once was.¡± Her confidence was palpable. Even a weaker Great Zhou had crushed the Qing Dynasty. Now, with its strength doubled, a confrontation with Song held no fear. After venting, Wu Zhao turned back to Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, you mentioned setting a trap for the Song nobility. What exactly is your plan?¡± The ministers¡¯ gazes sharpened with curiosity. They knew that whatever Yang Yi had devised, it would be both cunning and ruthless. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°I took a hundred pieces of glassware and told Zhu Dong and Gao Kan to return with 50 million guan¡­¡± ¡°Glassware?¡± Gasps echoed through the hall as disbelief swept over the ministers. Wei Yuanzhong¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Minister Yang, are you serious? A hundred pieces of glassware?¡± Yang Yi nodded solemnly. ¡°Of course. Otherwise, why would they spend 50 million guan on it?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes glimmered with astonishment. ¡°50 million guan? Can they even raise that much?¡± Yang Yi spread his hands. ¡°Of course not. That¡¯s why I suggested they pool resources with the Song nobility.¡± Xu Jingzong sighed. ¡°With Song¡¯s immense wealth, the nobles of Bianjing could probably mortgage their homes and lands to raise that amount. ¡°Minister Yang, isn¡¯t this just giving them a way to make money? Where¡¯s the trap?¡± The ministers murmured in agreement, nodding slightly. Wu Zhao¡¯s brows furrowed, skepticism etched on her face. Chapter 101 Chapter 101Wu Zhao regarded Yang Yi with a strange expression. ¡°Wait, I have a question¡­¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi maintained his composed smile. ¡°Please, Your Majesty¡­¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curled slightly, her dark eyes gleaming with curiosity. ¡°I heard that your family is quite ordinary, with no notable ancestors, and your parents died young. So, you shouldn¡¯t possess so much glassware. ¡°One hundred pieces of glassware constitute a fortune that could rival the wealth of a nation. Where did you get them?¡± The hall fell silent, stunned by her words. She was right. They had been so overwhelmed by the staggering numbers¡ªone hundred pieces of glassware and 50 million strings of cash¡ªthat they had overlooked the most glaring question. Glassware was an extremely rare and invaluable treasure, impossible to replicate. Each piece was unique, crafted with precision and skill. Even the most talented artisans wouldn¡¯t dare claim they could create identical glassware. All eyes in the hall turned to Yang Yi. Clearing his throat, Yang Yi spoke evenly. ¡°Your Majesty, I have mastered the technique of making glassware.¡± The hall froze as if time itself had stopped. ¡°Making glassware?¡± The Empress¡¯s phoenix-like eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Minister Yang, are you joking?¡± Her voice carried less skepticism than astonishment. It wasn¡¯t a matter of mistrust¡ªsuch a claim was simply too incredible. No one in the world had ever dared assert they could manufacture glassware. Meeting Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze, Yang Yi¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Your Majesty, I have recently established a glass workshop. This glassware can now be mass-produced according to a standardized manufacturing process.¡± The collective gasp echoed through the hall like a thunderclap. Mass production? The sheer audacity of the claim left everyone in awe. Wu Zhao¡¯s shock was palpable. Glassware¡ªso rare it was considered a treasure¡ªand now it could be mass-produced? Xu Jingzong¡¯s brows furrowed as if a realisation struck him. He turned to Yang Yi, his voice tinged with astonishment. ¡°Minister Yang, the reason you¡¯re selling this glassware to the Song nobility, even encouraging them to pool their resources¡­ Could it be that you¡¯re waiting for¡ª¡± He stopped mid-sentence, unable to continue. Yang Yi smiled knowingly. ¡°Lord Xu¡¯s assumption is absolutely correct.¡± He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. ¡°I am indeed planning for them to invest their fortunes in acquiring this glassware. Before they can sell it, I will announce to the world that Great Zhou can mass-produce glassware.¡± Gasps filled the room again. ¡°In this way, the so-called rare treasures¡ªeach worth hundreds of thousands of guan and with fewer than a few dozen in the world¡ªwill no longer be rare. Naturally, their value will collapse, potentially dropping from hundreds of thousands to just a few hundred guan.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s tone remained calm, though his words sent shivers down everyone¡¯s spines. ¡°Moreover, as our glassware becomes widely available, it will transition from being a luxury item to a household necessity. Prices will plummet to a few dozen coins, or even mere coppers. ¡°When that happens, no one will buy the glassware the Song nobles poured their fortunes into. They will suffer immense losses, which may destabilize the Song economy.¡± He smiled faintly. ¡°And as for Zhu Dong and Gao Kan, despite their high positions, they will undoubtedly face the fury of the entire Song nobility.¡± Another gasp rippled through the hall. This was brutal. The ¡°Living Yama¡± had struck again. Xu Jingzong and Wei Yuanzhong were left speechless, even though they were accustomed to Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless strategies. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyelids twitched slightly as she processed his words. Her phoenix-like eyes shimmered with shock. No wonder Yang Yi had seemed so confident and calm. He had already set the trap. 50 million yuan¡ªan amount equivalent to Great Zhou¡¯s annual tax revenue. The hall was silent for a long moment. Finally, Xu Jingzong stroked his beard and smiled wryly. ¡°Minister Yang, you are truly impressive¡ªgoing to such lengths for a woman.¡± The comment drew wry smiles from others. Zhu Dong and Gao Kan would undoubtedly regret ever provoking Yang Yi¡¯s wife. They¡¯d not only lose their wealth but also face the ire of the Song nobility. Yang Yi shook his head, replying seriously, ¡°Lord Xu, you misunderstand. ¡°My plan accomplishes more than mere vengeance. It kills three birds with one stone.¡± The hall buzzed with murmurs of curiosity. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. ¡°Minister Yang, what do you mean?¡± Yang Yi explained, ¡°First, the Song¡¯s shameless attempts to exploit Great Zhou show a lack of respect. Cheating them out of 50 million strings is a small punishment¡ªa lesson they won¡¯t forget. ¡°Second, although our treasury isn¡¯t strained, an additional 50 million yuan will enable us to undertake projects for the betterment of the nation. ¡°And third¡­¡± His gaze sharpened. ¡°Your Majesty has often mentioned that Great Zhou lacks an economic pillar industry. Since we lack geographical advantages, we must create a unique industry. I believe the glassware business is our answer. ¡°By using this opportunity to announce our ability to mass-produce glassware, we will captivate the world¡¯s attention and firmly establish Great Zhou as synonymous with glassware. ¡°Even as prices drop with widespread availability, monopolizing the glassware market will ensure its role as our economic pillar. Glassware will become a staple of Great Zhou¡¯s prosperity.¡± The hall fell silent once more. Yang Yi¡¯s far-reaching vision left everyone in awe. Wu Zhao¡¯s almond-shaped eyes remained wide as she clenched her pale hand into a fist, hidden within her sleeve. What had seemed an impossible problem was solved effortlessly by Yang Yi, all while teaching the Song a harsh lesson. Pursing her lips, Wu Zhao asked, ¡°Minister Yang, you had already planned this glassware business?¡± Yang Yi spread his hands with a helpless smile. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. When you previously asked for strategies, I wanted to propose this. But you all dismissed it as a devious plot and wouldn¡¯t let me speak.¡± He looked around the room, his expression mildly amused. ¡°Do you still think it¡¯s a devious plan now?¡± A few ministers instinctively wiped their foreheads, sweat forming as they avoided his gaze. The glassware business itself was harmless. But leveraging the Song¡¯s greed as a publicity stunt¡­ Well, it certainly had the hallmarks of a ¡°Living Yama¡± scheme. Chapter 102 Chapter 102: Gao Qiu and His Son¡¯s Poison Plot! In the courtyard of the Song Dynasty envoy¡¯s residence, Gao Kan paced nervously. ¡°Uncle Zhu, do you think such a good thing could really happen to us? We¡¯ve offended Yang Yi before¡­ could he truly be this generous?¡± Suspicion tinged his voice as he glanced toward Zhu Dong. Zhu Dong, busy polishing three pristine pieces of glass, didn¡¯t even look up. A faint smile crossed his chubby face. ¡°Why worry about Yang Yi¡¯s intentions?¡± he replied calmly. ¡°These glass pieces are real. As long as we get the money and secure this batch of glass, we¡¯re set. What tricks could he possibly play?¡± Gao Kan nodded, his eyes fixed on the shimmering glass shards. Greed flickered across his face. ¡°Uncle Zhu, you¡¯re right. As long as this glass is genuine, it doesn¡¯t matter what his motives are.¡± Zhu Dong chuckled, his round face lit with anticipation. ¡°Exactly. Once we secure the money and buy this batch of glass, we¡¯ll be rich. This treasure could bring us unimaginable profits. And if we present some to the officials and they like it, who knows? I might even get promoted.¡± The thought sent a shiver of excitement through Gao Kan. ¡°Then let¡¯s hurry back to Bianjing and collect the money!¡± But Zhu Dong hesitated. ¡°What about the mission assigned by the officials?¡± Gao Kan dismissed the concern with a wave. ¡°Uncle Zhu, this marriage alliance is a long-term matter. But if we deliver this glass to the officials, they¡¯ll be so pleased they won¡¯t care about our mission here. Besides, we¡¯ve already delivered the message; our job here is done.¡± A sly smile crept onto his face. ¡°If you¡¯re unwilling, Uncle Zhu, I¡¯ll go back myself.¡± Zhu Dong eyed the young man, inwardly sneering. The next day, the two men boarded a boat back to Bianjing. ¡­ Inside a sprawling mansion near the imperial city, Gao Kan burst through the doors. ¡°Father!¡± Seated in a lavishly decorated hall, Gao Qiu looked up. His wide-sleeved robe shimmered with intricate embroidery, his belt gleamed with jade inlays, and his headpiece sparkled with an oversized emerald. Though his features were plain, his attire was a testament to his wealth and status. He frowned slightly at the sight of his son. ¡°Why are you back? Weren¡¯t you supposed to be in the Zhou Dynasty with Zhu Dong?¡± Gao Kan, pale and haggard from his indulgent lifestyle, hurriedly explained, ¡°Father, I¡¯ve returned with incredible news. This time, we¡¯re going to get rich!¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s brow furrowed. His son¡¯s reputation as a troublemaker preceded him¡ªbullying the weak, harassing women, and constantly causing headaches for the family. Yet here he was, speaking of wealth with such conviction. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Rich?¡± Gao Qiu asked skeptically, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Aren¡¯t we already rich? Our family owns tens of thousands of acres of land, countless property deeds, and thriving shops.¡± Gao Kan shook his head. ¡°Father, this isn¡¯t about land or property. This is real money¡ªa business that could earn tens of millions in cash!¡± The claim made Gao Qiu pause. His sharp eyes narrowed. ¡°Do you even understand the scale of what you¡¯re saying? Tens of millions in cash? Do you know how much the imperial court collects in taxes annually?¡± Gao Kan swallowed hard, his face lighting up with excitement. ¡°Father, I¡¯m not lying! Even Zhu Dong is scrambling to get in on this deal.¡± He opened a box and carefully revealed its contents. ¡°Look at this, Father¡ªtop-quality glass. A treasure beyond compare!¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s eyes widened as he examined the glass. It was flawless, free of impurities, and gleamed with an otherworldly brilliance. Even the finest glass cups he¡¯d seen among the nobility couldn¡¯t match this craftsmanship. ¡°Where did you get this?¡± he demanded. Gao Kan smirked. ¡°We acquired it from a high-ranking official in the Zhou Dynasty,¡± he replied, recounting the events at the Yang residence while conveniently omitting Yang Yi¡¯s reprimand. After listening, suspicion clouded Gao Qiu¡¯s face. ¡°Why would someone sell such a treasure? There must be a trick.¡± Gao Kan grew impatient. ¡°Father, why overthink it? The glass is real¡ªlook at it! Once we have it in our possession, what could possibly go wrong?¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s instincts warned him of potential pitfalls, but Gao Kan¡¯s argument held weight. As long as the glass was genuine, what harm could come from the deal? They could inspect every piece during the transaction. Still, he hesitated. ¡°This¡­¡± ¡°Father!¡± Gao Kan urged, his voice rising. ¡°If we wait any longer, we¡¯ll miss this opportunity. This batch of glass could sell for eighty or 90 million Yuan! We need to act fast. If Zhu Dong collects the money first, we¡¯ll get nothing!¡± The prospect of such wealth finally swayed Gao Qiu. His hesitation gave way to determination. ¡°Very well. With my influence, I can gather a considerable sum. But our family must take the lion¡¯s share.¡± ¡°Of course, Father!¡± Gao Kan exclaimed. ¡°Why not mortgage all our assets? The more we invest now, the greater the profit later. And if we present this glass to the officials, your standing with them will soar!¡± He had climbed from the ranks of a common ruffian to his esteemed position as Chief Marshal, a rise owed entirely to the emperor¡¯s favor. The emperor, known for his fondness for rare flowers and exquisite stones, already possessed a prized collection of glass cups. If Gao Qiu could present him with glass of even higher quality, it would surely delight the emperor and solidify his favor further. Gao Qiu, already imagining the emperor¡¯s delight at such a rare gift, nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s begin collecting the funds.¡± ¡­ MeanwhileZhu Dong, no less eager, was busy soliciting investments from his network of acquaintances. Chapter 103 Chapter 103Half a month later¡­ S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhu Dong and Gao Kan had already gathered the funds and were en route to Luoyang. The fundraising effort had gone more smoothly than anticipated. The nobles of the Song Dynasty, known for their appreciation of quality, were quick to recognize the value of the high-quality glass. Many willingly invested. Although fifty million strings of cash was a monumental sum, dividing it among more than twenty contributors made it manageable. Each individual needed to provide less than two million strings. Gao Qiu and Gao Kan alone contributed nearly eight million strings from their personal wealth. Most of the others also poured in all they had, enticed by the promise of massive profits. This time, Zhu Dong and Gao Kan traveled with a significant entourage. Considering the vast amount of money involved, ensuring a smooth transaction was imperative. Additionally, they needed to inspect the glass carefully to avoid any mishaps. ¡­ At the Yang residence, a servant approached respectfully. ¡°Master, a group of visitors is here to see you. The leader is named Zhu Dong,¡± he reported. Yang Yi, momentarily surprised, set down his quill and pondered briefly. ¡°Escort them to the side hall.¡± ¡°Yes, master.¡± The servant departed promptly. Nearby, Wei Zifu blinked in recognition. Her sharp memory reminded her of who Zhu Dong was, though she couldn¡¯t fathom why her master continued dealings with him and his group. Being perceptive, she refrained from asking questions that weren¡¯t hers to ask. Yang Yi reached out and lightly pinched her cheek. ¡°Wait for me here.¡± ¡°Yes, master,¡± Wei Zifu responded respectfully. ¡­ ¡°Greetings, Minister Yang¡­¡± Zhu Dong and Gao Kan bowed, their eagerness evident. They had endured a long journey, their minds singularly focused on the glass. Behind them stood a group of representatives sent by the noble investors. This was a significant venture, and they naturally wanted their own people to oversee it. Included among them were experts in jade and antique appraisals to ensure the authenticity of the glass. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow as his gaze swept over Zhu Dong and Gao Kan. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. The plan was unfolding even more smoothly than he had anticipated. Greed had blinded these men to the risks; even if they sensed something was amiss, they were too enticed to care. Zhu Dong, unable to contain himself, stepped forward. ¡°Minister Yang, we¡¯ve brought the money. Where¡¯s the glass?¡± He signalled his men to open the boxes they had brought. The hall quickly filled with crates. When opened, they revealed gleaming stacks of gold bars that dazzled under the light. Transporting 50 million strings of copper yuan coins would have required a small mountain; gold was far more compact. Yang Yi surveyed the treasure with satisfaction. This immense sum likely surpassed even the wealth of the State Treasury. He signalled his men to bring out the glass. ¡°Here, it¡¯s all yours.¡± Box after box of glass was placed before Zhu Dong and Gao Kan, who eagerly rushed to inspect the contents. The appraisal experts followed closely behind, scrutinizing every piece meticulously. Meanwhile, Yang Yi sat to the side, calmly sipping his tea, utterly indifferent to their frenzy. After half an hour, an elderly appraiser wiped sweat from his brow and exclaimed, ¡°Master Zhu, Young Master Gao, all the glass is genuine! In all my years, I¡¯ve never encountered so many high-quality pieces in one place.¡± The others chimed in, nodding vigorously. ¡°Indeed, this glass is authentic.¡± ¡°Truly rare treasures!¡± ¡°This level of craftsmanship is unparalleled.¡± Relieved and overjoyed, Zhu Dong and Gao Kan exchanged satisfied smiles. With the glass confirmed, they could exchange it for immense profits. Zhu Dong eagerly turned to Yang Yi. ¡°Minister Yang, we¡¯ll take our leave now.¡± Yang Yi gave a casual wave. ¡°No need to see you off.¡± Unbothered by Yang Yi¡¯s indifference, Zhu Dong, Gao Kan, and their entourage departed excitedly, taking the glass with them. Moments later, Yang Yi¡¯s men began collecting the gold. ¡­ After a while, Yang Yi arrived at a secluded courtyard. ¡°Minister Yang¡­¡± An elderly craftsman with greying hair greeted him, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡°The first piece of glass is complete. Please take a look.¡± Yang Yi followed his gesture to a table where a crystal-clear glass vase sat. Although it was slightly inferior to the system-produced artefacts, it was remarkably close in quality. Yang Yi nodded, pleased. Once production scaled up, this glass would undoubtedly create a nationwide¡ªand even global¡ªsensation. Beyond its beauty, its practical uses, from furniture to windows, represented an enormous market. ¡°If every household installs glass, the profits will sustain the Zhou Dynasty for generations,¡± Yang Yi mused. ¡°Glass will become the signature industry of Great Zhou, heralding the prosperity of our trade.¡± He stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Increase production. I want to see glass in abundance.¡± ¡­ ¡°Glass?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened as she held the glassware Yang Yi handed her. Her pretty face was awash with shock. ¡°You actually made this?¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Of course. Soon, this glass will be a household necessity, something every family will need.¡± ¡°Your Highness,¡± he added, ¡°please have someone draft an article about our glass. When it¡¯s published in the , I want the entire nation¡ªand the Central Plains¡ªto know that our Great Zhou can mass-produce high-quality, affordable glass.¡± Wu Mingyue blinked, suspicion flickering in her gaze. ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re up to something?¡± Yang Yi leaned closer, raising a finger to his lips. ¡°This must remain confidential. Lend me your ear¡­¡± Intrigued, Wu Mingyue leaned in, momentarily forgetting the mischievous schemes Yang Yi had pulled on her before.. Of course, Yang Yi looked at her chest. Moments later, Wu Mingyue stepped back, her cheeks flushed as she glared at him. ¡°Scoundrel!¡± ¡­ ¡°This¡­ This is exquisite!¡± Gao Qiu marvelled at the glass before him, its quality far surpassing the imperial collection. Gao Kan beamed with pride. ¡°Father, this is our chance to make a fortune! We can sell to other countries¡ªTang, Ming¡ªall places with wealthy buyers.¡± Gao Qiu nodded in agreement. ¡°Finally, you¡¯ve done something right.¡± Gao Kan¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Like father, like son, right? I¡¯m your son¡ªhow could I fail you?¡± Chapter 104 Chapter 104 (77): Shock the Song Dynasty! Mass Production of Glass! Gao Qiu stroked his beard with satisfaction, a gleam of greed flashing in his eyes. ¡°We can sell a large portion of this glass, but we should also keep some in reserve. If its value increases in the future, we¡¯ll profit even more.¡± ¡°In a few days, I¡¯ll take a piece to present to the emperor. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be very pleased,¡± Gao Qiu added confidently. Gao Kan nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with excitement. ¡°Of course! As long as you maintain the Emperor¡¯s favor, Father, our Gao family will continue to enjoy wealth and prosperity.¡± ¡°Speaking of which, Yang Yi is truly a benefactor to both of us,¡± Gao Kan said, grinning. Father and son exchanged a knowing glance and burst into hearty laughter, their tones full of pride. ¡­ Two days later. Gao Kan brought a group of influential nobles who had invested in the glass to inspect the new batch. With nearly two million strings of cash divided among them, their investments were significant enough to demand personal inspection. Most of these nobles were members of the Song Royal Family or recently ascended aristocrats. Such exquisite glass¡ªit will surely fetch a good price in the future,¡± one noble exclaimed. ¡°Indeed! This time, we¡¯ve struck it rich,¡± another added. ¡°Who would have thought the young master of the Gao family would have such audacity?¡± someone remarked with a sly grin. ¡°This glass is a rare treasure. If I didn¡¯t need to sell it for money, I¡¯d love to keep a few pieces for my collection,¡± another commented. Gao Kan, soaking in their admiration, addressed the group. ¡°I have already sent people to contact buyers. Rest assured, your investment will not go to waste. We¡¯ll make sure everyone profits handsomely.¡± The crowd nodded in approval. Profit was their ultimate goal, and nothing else mattered. Someone chuckled. ¡°You already have connections, young master?¡± Gao Kan smiled confidently. ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve sent people to reach out to buyers from the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties. I¡¯m confident they can handle this batch of glass.¡± The group murmured in agreement. ¡°The young master is truly forward-thinking,¡± one noble said. ¡°Although the Great Song has many wealthy individuals, selling such a large batch of glass at a high price would be challenging. If we sell to other countries, we could even double the price,¡± another noted. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re fortunate to benefit from the young master¡¯s insight,¡± someone added. Although their status wasn¡¯t as high as Gao Qiu¡¯s, these nobles still wielded significant influence in the Great Song. Their praises made Gao Kan feel elated. However, just as he was about to show off further, hurried footsteps interrupted the scene. ¡°Young master, young master! Something big has happened!¡± A servant rushed into the courtyard, clutching a newspaper, his face pale with fear. Gao Kan¡¯s expression darkened. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Why are you in such a panic?¡± Gao Kan snapped. ¡°Compose yourself. Even if the sky were to fall, I would handle it. What are you so afraid of?¡± The nobles watched with faint smiles, their disdain for Gao Kan barely concealed. Despite his father¡¯s immense power, they regarded the family as upstarts. The servant swallowed nervously, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. ¡°Young master, something has truly happened. The latest issue of the has just been published. The Great Zhou claims that they can mass produce glass¡­¡± The courtyard fell deathly quiet. Every face froze in shock, eyes wide, and mouths slightly open as they processed the servant¡¯s words. Gao Kan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. His triangular eyes widened, blood vessels bulging in the whites of his eyes. A chill ran down his spine, leaving him shivering. He leapt forward, grabbing the servant by the collar, his voice wild with disbelief. ¡°What did you just say? Mass production of glass? Stop talking nonsense!¡± The servant, trembling under his young master¡¯s glare, held up the newspaper with shaking hands. ¡°Young master, it¡¯s written here. I didn¡¯t make it up¡­¡± Gao Kan¡¯s eyelid twitched uncontrollably as a sense of foreboding gripped him. He snatched the newspaper and scanned the front page. His face turned ashen. ¡°Great Zhou Announces: Glass Mass Production Achieved, Soon to Be in Every Household!¡± Gao Kan¡¯s breath caught. His hands trembled as his gaze fell on the byline. There it was¡ªYang Yi¡¯s name. His pupils contracted. A horrifying thought struck him. His knees almost buckled under the weight of the realization. He felt as though he had been plunged into an icy wasteland. The immense fear left his mind blank. The nobles, seeing Gao Kan¡¯s stunned expression, exchanged uneasy glances. Their earlier confidence began to waver. One of them stepped forward, grabbed the newspaper, and skimmed its contents. A moment later, his voice rang out, sharp and panicked. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s true! The newspaper says the glass production technology was developed by Yang Yi, the Minister of the Great Zhou Secretariat! Yang Yi also claims to have sold a batch to the son of the Grand Marshal of the Song State. We¡­ we¡¯ve been deceived!¡± Chapter 105 Chapter 105 (77): The Emperor¡¯s Dilemma and Gao Qiu¡¯s SchemeThe nobles, still clinging to a shred of hope, felt their minds go blank as they processed the implications. Their faces turned ashen, and they stood in a daze. If glass could indeed be mass-produced, the fortunes they had spent would amount to nothing. Many felt dizzy, their thoughts spiraling into despair. Each had invested millions of strings of cash. If the glass couldn¡¯t be sold, or if its price dropped to that of ordinary decorations, they would lose everything. This thought echoed relentlessly in their minds. ¡­ Ruixiang Temple. In the grand hall of Ruixiang Temple, a middle-aged man dressed in a red wide-sleeved robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns was seated, obsessively caressing a glass cup. His well-maintained, fair face radiated satisfaction and excitement. ¡°Good, good. This is truly exquisite,¡± Zhao Ji, the Emperor of the Great Song, said as he released the cup with a smile. He turned to Gao Qiu, who stood beside him. ¡°Minister Gao, I am quite fond of your gift.¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s face lit up with joy. The emperor¡¯s praise meant his choice had been correct. ¡°Your Majesty, this rare treasure is worthy only of you,¡± Gao Qiu said, his voice dripping with flattery. Zhao Ji nodded in satisfaction, a smile spreading across his face. He studied the glass cups again, his fondness for them deepening. ¡°Minister Gao,¡± Zhao Ji asked casually, ¡°how much did this set of glass cups cost you? I can¡¯t just accept such a fine gift for free.¡± Gao Qiu quickly bowed. ¡°Your Majesty, this set cost about one million strings of cash. Offering it to you is but a token of my loyalty. If Your Majesty insists on compensating me, it would feel far too formal.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s eyelid twitched. He glanced at the cups in surprise, marveling at their worth. Such a treasure¡ªits value only amplified his appreciation for Gao Qiu¡¯s effort. At that moment, a young girl dressed in an elegant red jade palace dress bounded into the hall. Her bright eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Father, don¡¯t you love glass the most? I have some great news for you!¡± Zhao Ji looked at her in surprise, then chuckled. ¡°Jin¡¯er, what news excites you so?¡± The girl was Zhao Fujin, his fifth daughter and the Princess Maode. She held up a newspaper, her expression beaming. ¡°Father, look! The Great Zhou has announced they can now mass-produce glass!¡± she exclaimed. ¡°In the future, you can buy glass directly from them.¡± Zhao Ji froze. ¡°Mass production of glass?¡± Standing nearby, Gao Qiu shivered. His heart sank at her words, and his face turned pale. Zhao Ji took the newspaper and scanned it, his expression growing strange. A frown darkened his brow as his gaze shifted to Gao Qiu, displeasure evident in his eyes. Gao Qiu¡¯s heart pounded. Though he yearned to grab the newspaper and read it for himself, he dared not under the emperor¡¯s stern gaze. The ominous feeling gnawed at him relentlessly. After a moment, Zhao Ji tossed the newspaper in front of Gao Qiu. ¡°This article claims that Yang Yi has already sold a batch of glass to you. It also says that in the future, glass from the Great Zhou will be so affordable that every household can have it. Yet, you told me it costs a million strings of cash. Do you take me for a fool?¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s body trembled, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. His scalp tingled as fear seized him. His legs nearly gave way beneath him. He grabbed the newspaper and scanned it, his vision blurring as dizziness overwhelmed him. The truth was now undeniable. Yang Yi had deceived him. The so-called rare glass he had invested so heavily in had already lost its value before it even hit the market. Fifty million strings of cash¡ªgone. Worse, the nobles who had invested in the venture would surely demand their money back. He fell to his knees before Zhao Ji, his voice trembling. ¡°Your Majesty, I am innocent¡­¡± Half an hour later, a defeated Gao Qiu confessed everything, recounting how Yang Yi had swindled him. He hoped for the emperor¡¯s understanding, knowing his survival now hinged on Zhao Ji¡¯s favor. Zhao Ji sighed deeply. He had never expected his trusted minister to be so thoroughly outmaneuvered. ¡°Yang Yi is cunning indeed,¡± Zhao Ji muttered, massaging his temples. ¡°His methods are ruthless. But what¡¯s done is done. The money is gone, and I cannot undo that.¡± Gao Qiu clenched his fists, hatred simmering within him. If the emperor abandoned him now, he would be utterly ruined. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Desperation spurred him to speak. ¡°Your Majesty, this money was unjustly taken. I humbly request your permission to lead one hundred thousand soldiers to the Zhou Dynasty. We can demand the return of the money and demonstrate the strength of the Great Song.¡± Zhao Ji raised an eyebrow. Gao Qiu continued, his voice fervent. ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Yi used underhanded tactics. Surely the Zhou Dynasty would not risk their reputation to protect such treachery. If we intimidate them, they will likely return the fifty million strings of cash. ¡°Of the recovered funds, twenty million can repay the nobles, and the remaining thirty million will go directly to Your Majesty¡¯s private treasury.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s eyes brightened. Thirty million strings of cash would be an enormous boon to his private treasury.. He hesitated, however. ¡°But what if the Zhou Dynasty retaliates? They recently destroyed the Qing Dynasty.¡± Gao Qiu bowed deeply. ¡°Your Majesty, their forces are still occupied with the Qing resistance. They lack the resources for another conflict. A mere display of strength will suffice.¡± Zhao Ji pondered the suggestion. It seemed plausible¡ªand tempting. Gao Qiu, seeing the emperor¡¯s indecision, added, ¡°I¡¯ve also heard Yang Yi slandered you, Your Majesty.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°What did he say?¡± Gao Qiu didn¡¯t hesitate to make up a story. ¡°He mocked Your Majesty¡¯s admiration for the Zhou princess, calling it shameless and delusional!¡± Chapter 106 Chapter 106: The Hidden Plot in the Negotiation Strategy! The Empress¡¯ Speculation!Zhao Ji¡¯s pale face flushed red with anger. ¡°Did that scoundrel really say that?¡± Although Gao Qiu lacked statecraft, he was adept at reading people. He knew Zhao Ji¡¯s pride was his greatest weakness, and hearing such words would undoubtedly push him to his limit. Seizing the moment, he added fuel to the fire. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty, I heard it by chance. Yang Yi openly declared that he would never agree to a marriage alliance with our Song Dynasty. He even threatened to teach us a lesson. I suspect my son and Zhu Dong were set up because of this.¡± Unwittingly, Gao Qiu¡¯s fabricated story aligned uncannily close to the truth, making his tale all the more convincing. Zhao Ji¡¯s pride and confidence¡ªhallmarks of his personality¡ªwere deeply wounded. As a man who wore a seal engraved with on his waist daily, he had never imagined his marriage proposal to the Zhou Dynasty would be treated with such contempt. To think Yang Yi had insulted him so openly! He now recalled sending Zhu Dong to the Zhou Dynasty, only to receive no response. Clearly, they had dismissed his overtures entirely. And now, harming Zhu Dong and Gao Kan¡ªtwo individuals with no prior grievances against them¡ªwas a deliberate act of humiliation. Furious, Zhao Ji slammed his hand against the table. ¡°How hateful Yang Yi is! Does he think I am made of clay?¡± Gao Qiu, seeing the emperor¡¯s anger flare, pressed on. ¡°Your Majesty, this is a grave insult to the dignity of the Song Dynasty. We cannot let this stand!¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s temper boiled over. Without hesitation, he declared, ¡°Gao Qiu, I am granting you command of one hundred thousand troops. March to the Zhou Kingdom immediately and demand the return of those fifty million strings of cash!¡± He leaned forward, his voice dripping with venom. ¡°If they refuse, announce to the world how the Zhou Dynasty resorts to rogue methods to amass wealth. Let everyone see how despicable they are!¡± He slammed his fist on the table for emphasis. ¡°And if they remain stubborn¡ªteach them a lesson they¡¯ll never forget.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s confidence was unwavering. Despite the Song¡¯s recent struggles against the Liao, he firmly believed in the strength of his kingdom. With the Song Dynasty¡¯s wealth and advanced weaponry, how could a war-torn Zhou Kingdom possibly stand against them? Gao Qiu¡¯s face lit up with joy as he bowed deeply. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ Later that evening, at Gao Qiu¡¯s residence, he found his son, Gao Kan, nursing a swollen and bruised face. The young man looked utterly dejected. The moment Gao Kan saw his father, he clung to him desperately. ¡°Father, we¡¯re finished! Fifty million strings of cash¡ªgone!¡± Gao Qiu glared at his son and barked, ¡°Useless! I¡¯ve already secured the emperor¡¯s approval to march. We leave tomorrow!¡± Gao Kan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Father, are you going to war with the Zhou Dynasty?¡± Gao Qiu slapped the back of his son¡¯s head. ¡°War, my foot! This is about forcing Yang Yi to return the money. Otherwise, how will you repay those nobles demanding their share of fifty million strings of cash?¡± Touching his bruised face, Gao Kan shuddered as memories of his earlier humiliation resurfaced. His eyes burned with hatred. ¡°Father, let me come with you! I want revenge!¡± Gao Qiu glanced at him and nodded grimly. ¡­ At dawn the next day, Gao Qiu, accompanied by his son and Zhu Dong, led one hundred thousand troops toward the Zhou Dynasty. Both Gao Kan and Zhu Dong seethed with hatred for Yang Yi, each eager to see him ruined. ¡­ A few days later, inside the Zhou Dynasty Council Hall, Yang Yi stood before the Empress and her ministers, his voice calm yet resolute. ¡°Your Majesty, I have established four glass workshops in Luoyang, and orders are already pouring in.¡± He smiled faintly. ¡°By seizing this opportunity, our Zhou Dynasty will become the world¡¯s foremost producer of glass. Other nations will soon recognize that if they want glass, they must come to us. This will give our kingdom a unique specialty and solidify an economic pillar.¡± The ministers nodded in admiration, their respect for Yang Yi evident. His governance was undeniably effective, even if his methods were sometimes ruthless. The Empress, her phoenix eyes alight with approval, spoke softly. ¡°Minister Yang, you have done well.¡± At that moment, Shangguan Wan¡¯er entered hurriedly and whispered into the Empress¡¯ ear. Wu Zhao¡¯s expression shifted subtly as she listened. Looking back at the court, she announced, ¡°The Song Dynasty¡¯s Grand Marshal, Gao Qiu, has led one hundred thousand troops to Xingyang Pass. They are demanding the return of fifty million strings of cash.¡± A heavy silence fell over the hall. The ministers exchanged uneasy glances before their gazes landed on Yang Yi. Yang Yi¡¯s face remained calm, but inside, he was speechless. Xu Jingzong broke the silence, his voice cautious. ¡°Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty¡¯s weapons are renowned for their sophistication. We must tread carefully. Perhaps we should recall General Heichi to bolster our defenses?¡± Wu Zhao shook her head. ¡°The campaign to eradicate the Qing remnants is nearing completion. General Heichi¡¯s presence there remains vital to ensure lasting stability.¡± Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The ministers fell into deep thought, weighing their options. The Empress¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°While most of our forces are stationed in Qing territory, we can still muster troops. If the Song Dynasty desires conflict, our Zhou Kingdom will meet them head-on.¡± The court murmured their agreement, emboldened by the nation¡¯s growing strength. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard. ¡°Nevertheless, we must remain cautious. The Song Dynasty excels in weaponry where we are comparatively weaker.¡± Yang Yi stepped forward, his expression calm yet confident. ¡°Your Majesty, I have a plan to handle the Song forces.¡± All eyes turned to him, hope rekindling in their gazes. Xu Jingzong leaned forward, anticipation in his voice. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, what strategy do you propose?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips twitched slightly at their eager expressions. ¡°Your Majesty, Gao Qiu¡¯s forces are here for money, not war. We should send an envoy to negotiate, delaying them until their supplies run low. Then, we can offer a portion of the fifty million strings as a gesture of goodwill. This way, we avoid unnecessary conflict and still profit significantly.¡± Chapter 107 Chapter 107The hall fell silent. Everyone stared at Yang Yi in astonishment, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief. This¡­ this¡­ A complex emotion swirled in their hearts. Was this truly the strategy of Yang Yi, the man hailed as the most cunning strategist in the Zhou Dynasty and their Prime Minister? Xu Jingzong and Wei Yuanzhong exchanged uneasy glances, a hint of disappointment flashing in their eyes. If this plan hadn¡¯t come from Yang Yi¡¯s own mouth, no one would have believed it. Could it be that Yang Yi had run out of ideas? The thought hung unspoken in the air. No one dared to voice it, but it lingered in every corner of the room. Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Yang Yi, who stood calm and composed amid the silence. Such a shallow plan was entirely unlike Yang Yi¡¯s usual strategies. Moreover, his tactics had always shown little regard for conventional morality or human sentiment. And now, his proposed delaying tactic ended with offering money to solve the issue? It didn¡¯t make sense. How could Yang Yi¡ªYang Yi¡ªsuggest paying off the enemy after they had dared to come knocking? The hall remained steeped in an uncomfortable silence. Finally, Xu Jingzong broke it, unable to hold back any longer. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, is this plan¡­ all there is?¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly, his expression unbothered. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s all there is.¡± After a brief pause, he added, ¡°If there¡¯s anything more to say, it¡¯s this¡ªensure the envoy we send is someone of high enough status to be trusted. Otherwise, the negotiations may fall apart.¡± The expressions on the ministers¡¯ faces grew even stranger. This wasn¡¯t the brilliant, ruthless Yang Yi they had come to expect. Wei Yuanzhong hesitated before speaking, choosing his words carefully. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, forgive me, but this plan doesn¡¯t seem to align with your usual style.¡± He was careful not to sound offensive¡ªimplying that someone had run out of ideas was never polite. Yang Yi¡¯s sharp features softened as he chuckled. ¡°Lord Wei, I fear you¡¯ve misunderstood me. If we can resolve this matter with money, wouldn¡¯t that minimize our losses? ¡°Besides, consider this: we¡¯re essentially paying nothing to gain everything.¡± The room grew quieter still. This¡­ was this truly the same ruthless Yang Yi they knew? Wu Zhao remained silent for a moment, her sharp gaze fixed on him. Finally, she spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed as you suggested.¡± She turned her gaze to Zhang Jianzhi. ¡°Zhang Jianzhi, you will represent the Zhou Dynasty in the negotiations with the Song Dynasty.¡± The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. None of them had anticipated the Empress agreeing so easily to such a seemingly simplistic plan. Zhang Jianzhi stepped forward and bowed deeply. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡­ Half an hour later, the court session ended. Just as Yang Yi was about to leave, a soft, deliberate voice stopped him. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, Her Majesty requests your presence.¡± Yang Yi paused, turning to see Shangguan Wan¡¯er approaching him with measured steps. He raised an eyebrow. ¡°Very well.¡± Moments later, he entered Qianyuan Hall. Shangguan Wan¡¯er closed the doors behind him, leaving only Yang Yi and Wu Zhao in the vast chamber. Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze was sharp, piercing. She didn¡¯t mince words. ¡°What are you really up to?¡± Yang Yi tilted his head, feigning innocence. ¡°What does Your Majesty mean? I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wu Zhao¡¯s lips curved into a rare, sly smile. ¡°Don¡¯t think you can fool me. Don¡¯t I know you well enough by now?¡± Her tone sharpened. ¡°Your heart is as black as coal, Yang Yi.¡± ¡°The plan you just proposed was mediocre¡ªunremarkable. It doesn¡¯t sound like something you would come up with. Are you saying you have no other schemes up your sleeve?¡± Yang Yi blinked, momentarily startled. It was rare to see the usually dignified and aloof Empress reveal such a playful side. For a fleeting moment, he felt a flutter in his chest. He smiled. ¡°Your Majesty truly has sharp insight.¡± Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smirk. For some inexplicable reason, her heart felt lighter. ¡°So,¡± she pressed, leaning forward slightly. ¡°You do have another plan. Tell me¡ªwhat are you really planning?¡± Yang Yi chuckled softly. ¡°Your Majesty, just grant me a cavalry force of thirty thousand, and in a few days, you¡¯ll see the results for yourself.¡± Wu Zhao frowned, her brow knitting slightly. Her delicate nose wrinkled in irritation. ¡°, stingy.¡± The words escaped her lips before she could stop herself. Startled, she realized she sounded less like an Empress and more like a woman sulking at her lover. Yang Yi, oblivious to her inner turmoil, simply smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, patience is a virtue.¡± Wu Zhao quickly masked her emotions, feigning indifference. ¡°Very well. I agree.¡± She waved a hand dismissively. ¡°You may leave.¡± Yang Yi bowed slightly before turning to go. ¡­ Outside the hall, Shangguan Wan¡¯er waited. ¡°Prime Minister Yang.¡± Yang Yi turned to face her, smiling. ¡°Lady Shangguan, what can I do for you?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er hesitated. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, is there more to your plan than what you presented today?¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s gaze was steady, her admiration for him evident. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ I feel that someone like you wouldn¡¯t propose such a simple solution.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile widened slightly. ¡°Lady Shangguan, you flatter me.¡± With that, he turned and walked away, his robes billowing gently as he disappeared into the distance. Shangguan Wan¡¯er remained rooted in place, watching him go. After a moment, she let out a soft sigh, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. ¡°Wan¡¯er, oh Wan¡¯er,¡± she muttered to herself, lightly patting her own face. ¡°You¡¯re going to get yourself into trouble saying things like that¡­¡± ¡­ The next day, in the Song Army Camp¡­ ¡°Report, Chief Marshal!¡± A guard entered, bowing respectfully. ¡°The Zhou Dynasty has sent a letter requesting your review.¡± Gao Kan¡¯s eyes lit up. He quickly took the letter and brought it to Gao Qiu. Gao Qiu opened the document, skimming through its contents. A satisfied grin spread across his face. ¡°Good. Very good.¡± Gao Kan and Zhu Dong immediately leaned in curiously. ¡°Father, what does the Zhou Dynasty say?¡± Gao Kan asked eagerly, his eyes alight with anticipation. Gao Qiu smiled faintly, a glimmer of satisfaction in his expression. ¡°In five days, Zhang Jianzhi, the War Minister of the Zhou Dynasty, will arrive to negotiate with our Song Dynasty.¡± Gao Kan laughed heartily, his pride evident. ¡°They are truly intimidated! Humph, Yang Yi must never have imagined we would march an army right to their doorstep!¡± Zhu Dong trembled with excitement, his fists clenched tightly. ¡°Excellent!¡± he exclaimed. ¡°As long as we get the money back, everything will be easier.¡± The stress weighing on him over the past days seemed to lift, replaced by a wave of relief. Gao Qiu stroked his beard, satisfaction radiating from him. If he hadn¡¯t devised a strategy on the spot, there would have been no way to explain the missing funds. Now, their show of force had rattled the Zhou Dynasty into compliance. As long as they were willing to negotiate, there was a chance to recover every last coin. After all, the Zhou Dynasty wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to wage war over mere money. He didn¡¯t just have this one-hundred-thousand-strong army behind him¡ªhe had the entire Song Dynasty backing his every move! ¡­ Meanwhile, in the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s court¡­ ¡°Prime Minister Yang, why do you want me to wait five days before heading to negotiate with the Song army?¡± Zhang Jianzhi asked, his tone tinged with confusion. ¡°We can reach Xingyang Pass in just two or three days.¡± Yang Yi smiled, his calm demeanor unshaken. ¡°The purpose of negotiations, Minister Zhang, is to buy time. The later you depart, the more time we secure.¡± Zhang Jianzhi blinked, momentarily taken aback. That made sense. But there was something about Yang Yi¡¯s smile that unsettled him. Chapter 108 Chapter 108: A Scheme within a Scheme! The Living Yama Is Still the Same! ¡ª ¡°I¡¯m Zhang Jianzhi, here to see Chief Marshal Gao,¡± Zhang Jianzhi announced with a confident smile. Accompanied by only a few guards, he entered the command tent under the escort of the Song Army. Inside, Gao Qiu, clad in military attire, sat with a stern expression. ¡°Minister Zhang, you are too kind,¡± Gao Qiu said, his tone measured. ¡°Someone, bring Minister Zhang a seat.¡± A guard quickly placed a stool for Zhang Jianzhi, who sat down without hesitation. The Song soldiers surrounding Gao Qiu fixed their sharp gazes on the Zhou envoy, their hostility evident. Despite this, Zhang Jianzhi remained composed, his smile unwavering. He was here on behalf of the Zhou Dynasty to negotiate¡ªGao Qiu wouldn¡¯t dare to harm him. On either side of Gao Qiu sat Gao Kan and Zhu Dong, their eyes brimming with animosity. Both men still harbored resentment toward Yang Yi for the humiliation he had caused them. Even Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s calm demeanor made their blood boil. Gao Qiu, however, maintained his composure, his sharp eyes locked on Zhang Jianzhi. ¡°Minister Zhang,¡± he began, his tone deliberate, ¡°our Song Dynasty has always valued the friendship between our nations. Our borders have remained peaceful for years. ¡°But now, your Prime Minister Yang has betrayed our trust. His schemes have deceived my son and friend, causing immense harm. The staggering sum of fifty million coins is not something easily overlooked.¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s voice grew firmer. ¡°As long as your country ensures Yang Yi returns the money, I will withdraw my troops immediately. ¡°Minister Zhang, let us not allow the actions of one man to jeopardize the goodwill between our nations.¡± Zhang Jianzhi smiled faintly and responded with practiced seriousness. ¡°Chief Marshal Gao, our Zhou Dynasty¡­¡± ¡­ A sharp wind swept across the terrain. Wei Qing, standing alongside the Zhou forces, spoke gravely. ¡°Prime Minister, we¡¯re now only three kilometers from the enemy camp.¡± Yang Yi, dressed in light armor, exuded a commanding presence. His polished appearance and calm demeanor made him appear both dashing and dangerous. He pondered briefly before issuing his orders. ¡°Split the army into two units. Wei Qing, you and Xu Chu will each lead one and attack the enemy from their left and right flanks.¡± Xu Chu scratched his head, frowning. ¡°Prime Minister, isn¡¯t Zhang Jianzhi still negotiating in the enemy camp? Why did we take such a long detour to set up this ambush?¡± Wei Qing also looked puzzled. Five days ago, Yang Yi had led their forces through treacherous paths to position themselves behind the Song Army. Yet, it was the Prime Minister himself who had suggested the negotiations. ¡°Prime Minister,¡± Wei Qing asked hesitantly, ¡°what¡¯s your plan here?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile as he gazed into the distance, almost as if he could see Zhang Jianzhi sitting in the enemy¡¯s command tent. ¡°Minister Zhang¡¯s presence in their camp is precisely to lower their guard,¡± Yang Yi explained slowly. ¡°The Song Army would never expect an enemy force behind them while they¡¯re busy negotiating.¡± Wei Qing¡¯s eyes widened in realization. Yang Yi continued, his tone chilling. ¡°If the ambush succeeds, the enemy will be caught completely off guard. As for Minister Zhang¡­ his fate will depend on his luck.¡± Wei Qing swallowed hard. ¡°Prime Minister, what if Minister Zhang doesn¡¯t survive?¡± Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi sighed softly, his voice calm yet cold. ¡°If Minister Zhang survives, he will have achieved great merit. If he falls, he will be remembered as a loyal martyr of the Zhou Dynasty. I will personally request that Her Majesty honors him posthumously as a hero.¡± Wei Qing felt a shiver down his spine. This was the Living King of Hell¡ªcalculating and ruthless as ever. Yang Yi¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Let¡¯s move. In half an hour, I want Gao Qiu captured and brought before me.¡± Wei Qing and Xu Chu snapped to attention, their voices firm. ¡°Yes, Prime Minister!¡± ¡­ Zhang Jianzhi maintained a polite smile as he addressed Gao Qiu. ¡°Rest assured, Chief Marshal Gao. Our Zhou Dynasty is committed to resolving this matter peacefully. Even though it began as a mere business transaction, Prime Minister Yang values the friendship between our nations. Our sincerity should not be doubted.¡± Gao Kan and Zhu Dong exchanged glances, excitement flickering in their eyes. If the Zhou Dynasty was willing to return the money, the immense pressure they had faced would finally ease. Gao Qiu, too, felt a weight lifting. Borrowing troops to pressure the Zhou Dynasty had been a gamble, and now it seemed to be paying off. Stroking his beard, he smiled faintly. ¡°Minister Zhang, you speak wisely. If Yang Yi hadn¡¯t gone too far, I would not have resorted to this. Our Song Dynasty values peace with your nation. It would indeed be a shame if such incidents damaged our diplomatic relations.¡± Zhang Jianzhi nodded solemnly. ¡°Chief Marshal, you are absolutely right. Our Zhou Dynasty is prepared to cooperate fully, provided your troops are withdrawn from our territory.¡± Gao Qiu chuckled softly. ¡°That is easy to discuss, as long as your country¡ª¡± Suddenly, a deafening roar of battle cries erupted outside the tent. ¡°Enemy attack!¡± A Song officer burst into the tent, his face pale with shock. Gao Kan and Zhu Dong leapt to their feet, their expressions frozen in disbelief. ¡°An enemy attack?!¡± Gao Kan stammered. ¡°But we¡¯re here to negotiate!¡± Gao Qiu¡¯s face darkened as he glared at Zhang Jianzhi. ¡°Zhang Jianzhi, is this what you call sincerity? A peaceful resolution?¡± Zhang Jianzhi, equally stunned, shot to his feet. ¡°Chief Marshal Gao, this must be a mistake! Our Zhou Dynasty is here to negotiate. Why would we send an attack? I¡¯m still here¡ªwhy would my country risk my life?¡± Gao Qiu hesitated, Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s words making a certain twisted sense. But before anyone could speak further, a thunderous cry rang out: ¡°Long live the Zhou Dynasty! Capture Gao Qiu alive!¡± The tent fell into a stunned silence. Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s face paled. This an attack from the Zhou Dynasty¡ªbut he was still here! Gao Qiu¡¯s expression twisted in fury. He turned to Zhang Jianzhi with eyes blazing. ¡°You scoundrel! How dare you use negotiations as a ploy to deceive us and then launch a sneak attack?!¡± Gao Kan grabbed his weapon, his voice trembling with rage. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you today!¡± Chapter 109 Chapter 109: The Ruthless Gambit Zhang Jianzhi stood frozen, disbelief etched on his face. The thought sent a chill down his spine, from his tailbone to the crown of his head. The pieces began to fit together in his mind. No wonder Yang Yi had seemed so uncharacteristically conciliatory, emphasizing peace and diplomacy. It had all been a ploy¡ªa scheme within a scheme. Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s face twitched uncontrollably. He suddenly realized the grim reality of his situation. His life had never been a consideration in Yang Yi¡¯s plans. His legs trembled beneath him. If he died here, it would be an utterly unjust end. ¡­ Outside, chaos erupted as Gao Qiu shouted orders. ¡°Retreat! Cover my escape!¡± The sounds of battle drew closer. The cacophony of soldiers screaming, weapons clashing, and horses neighing painted a grim picture. Gao Kan, consumed by fury, turned to Zhang Jianzhi. ¡°I¡¯ll kill this bastard first!¡± Zhang Jianzhi stumbled backward, his guards moving swiftly to shield him. Gao Qiu glared at Gao Kan, veins bulging in his temples. ¡°If we don¡¯t leave now, it will be too late!¡± Gritting his teeth, Gao Kan reluctantly abandoned his revenge. Gao Qiu and his men bolted from the tent, the sound of their hurried steps merging with the growing battle cries outside. ¡­ ¡°Charge!¡± A thunderous roar accompanied the sight of a black-armored cavalry unit bearing down on the fleeing Song forces like an unstoppable tide. Gao Qiu¡¯s heart plummeted. Panic gripped him as he desperately tried to mount his horse, but his trembling hands betrayed his terror. Gao Kan and Zhu Dong, once notorious for their cruelty, were paralyzed with fear, their faces pale as death. These men, accustomed to wielding power in safety, were utterly unprepared for the ferocity of war. ¡°Run!¡± Gao Qiu bellowed, his voice cracking. Under the protection of his guards, he fled blindly, but his luxurious lifestyle had left him soft. His body refused to cooperate as his pursuers closed in, their cries of ¡°For the Zhou Dynasty!¡± and ¡°Capture Gao Qiu alive!¡± echoing mercilessly. It was over. .. . ¡°Report!¡± A soldier burst into the hall, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡°Your Majesty, our army has defeated the Song forces and captured their commander, Gao Qiu!¡± The council chamber fell into stunned silence. Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and the other officials stared in disbelief. ¡°The enemy commander was captured?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s brows rose slightly, her usually composed demeanor shaken. Her lips parted faintly as astonishment flickered in her eyes. Xu Jingzong finally found his voice. ¡°How¡­ how did this happen? Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a negotiation?¡± The soldier saluted sharply and explained, ¡°Minister Zhang Jianzhi entered the enemy camp to negotiate, but under the Prime Minister¡¯s orders, our forces had already taken a five-day detour to encircle the enemy¡¯s rear. ¡®We launched a surprise attack, splitting into two groups to strike from both flanks. Thirty thousand Zhou soldiers overwhelmed their one hundred thousand-strong army. The enemy commander attempted to flee but was apprehended.¡± The chamber erupted into murmurs of disbelief. ¡°So much for negotiations,¡± Xu Jingzong muttered, his tone a mix of awe and unease. Wei Yuanzhong, however, caught onto a glaring detail. ¡°Wait! If we launched a surprise attack¡­ what happened to Zhang Jianzhi?¡± The soldier hesitated, scratching his head. ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t know. The Prime Minister didn¡¯t mention him.¡± A heavy silence descended upon the hall. ¡­ The officials exchanged uneasy glances, the realization dawning on them all at once. Zhang Jianzhi had been used as bait¡ªan expendable pawn in Yang Yi¡¯s grand strategy. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xu Jingzong¡¯s lips twitched. He finally understood why Yang Yi had proposed such an unorthodox plan. Wei Yuanzhong¡¯s scalp tingled as he muttered under his breath, ¡°The Living Yama¡­ He truly lives up to his name.¡± The officials nodded silently. They had momentarily allowed themselves to believe that Yang Yi had changed, that he had softened. How wrong they had been. Wu Zhao pressed her fingers to her temple, her expression complicated. Her mind raced, grappling with the implications of Yang Yi¡¯s actions. Her gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the battlefield lay. For all his ruthlessness, Yang Yi¡¯s cunning had secured the capture of the enemy commander and turned the tide of war. The ¡°Living Yama¡± had shown his true colors once again. Chapter 110 Chapter 110: Shocking the Three Emperors! ¡°Your Majesty¡­ I must see Her Majesty!¡± Zhang Jianzhi stood at the palace gates, his face dark, his clothes disheveled, and his entire body covered in dust. His haggard appearance drew the curious gazes of the surrounding ministers. ¡°Minister Zhang is still alive?¡± Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, his tone laden with surprise. Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s expression soured further. Gritting his teeth, he growled, ¡°I nearly ended up like Li Yiji from the Han Dynasty¡­¡± The name stirred murmurs among the gathered officials. The ministers exchanged puzzled looks until Xu Jingzong clarified. ¡°Minister Zhang is comparing himself to the persuader sent by Liu Bang to negotiate with the king of Qi. Han Xin, under Liu Bang¡¯s orders, launched a surprise attack during the talks, and Li Yiji was executed in a boiling cauldron.¡± Recognition dawned on their faces, followed by chuckles. Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s face darkened further as he vented, ¡°Yang Yi didn¡¯t even give me a warning! I was almost slaughtered by the enemy! He¡¯s truly heartless!¡± Xu Jingzong coughed lightly. ¡°Though Prime Minister Yang¡¯s methods may seem ruthless, Minister Zhang, the results speak for themselves. We captured the enemy commander and achieved a glorious victory with far fewer troops. Such a triumph is worth some sacrifice.¡± The other officials nodded in agreement, their expressions half-amused. ¡°Sacrifice?¡± Zhang Jianzhi snapped. ¡°Easy for you to say when it wasn¡¯t neck on the line!¡± His frustration was palpable. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°We were in the middle of peaceful negotiations when, without any warning, chaos erupted! I demand to see Her Majesty!¡± ¡­ ¡°You¡¯re finally back?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s cold, elegant voice carried a trace of exasperation. ¡°Zhang Jianzhi returned alive and has been cursing you all morning.¡± Yang Yi entered, his expression warm and unbothered. ¡°Minister Zhang has indeed endured much for the nation. It¡¯s only natural he feels aggrieved.¡± A faint smirk tugged at his lips. ¡°Let him vent. If I had to repeat the situation, I¡¯d make the same decision. Let Zhang Jianzhi suffer; I¡¯ll take the blame.¡± Wu Zhao blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Her gaze on him was one of bemused incredulity. Yang Yi continued, his tone turning sharp, ¡°As for Gao Qiu, the man dared to provoke the Great Zhou. He will be executed publicly at the marketplace to serve as a warning.¡± Wu Zhao nodded, then asked, ¡°What were the casualties?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned solemn. ¡°We killed over ten thousand enemies, captured sixty thousand, and scattered the rest. Our army sustained only a few hundred casualties.¡± The Empress¡¯s delicate features remained impassive, though her eyes gleamed with approval. ¡°No wonder you took such bold measures. I suppose, if I were in your position, I might have let Zhang Jianzhi suffer as well.¡± A knowing smile passed between them. ¡­ ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡± Li Yan, the Chief Eunuch, stumbled into the hall, his face pale and drenched in sweat. Zhao Ji, the Song Emperor, frowned. He set down his brush, turning his attention from the half-finished painting on the table. ¡°Speak.¡± Li Yan hesitated, knowing the storm his words would bring. ¡°Your Majesty, Chief Marshal Gao has been defeated and captured by the Zhou forces. Prime Minister Yang plans to execute him in the marketplace¡­¡± The brush slipped from Zhao Ji¡¯s hand, splattering ink across the painting. ¡°What did you say?¡± His voice trembled. ¡°Captured? What about the army?¡± Li Yan swallowed hard. ¡°Our forces suffered catastrophic losses: ten thousand dead, sixty thousand captured. The rest fled, but many remain unaccounted for.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s face turned ashen, his body swaying. ¡°My army of one hundred thousand¡­ reduced to scattered remnants?¡± Li Yan bowed his head, his silence confirming the grim reality. .. Zhu Biao strode into the hall, his expression complicated. ¡°Father, have you heard about the war between Zhou and Song?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang, engrossed in a memorial, looked up sharply. ¡°What war?¡± Zhu Biao recounted how Yang Yi had deceived the Song Empire using glass. When he finished, Zhu Yuanzhang let out a long sigh. ¡°This Yang Yi not only excels in military strategy but also crafts such ingenious schemes. Truly a remarkable talent.¡± His tiger-like eyes gleamed with a mix of admiration and wariness. ¡°If you can avoid provoking him, do so. But if you must, eliminate him completely. A man like that, if left alive, will only bring disaster.¡± Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. ¡°Fifty million coins¡ªthat¡¯s more than half of our Ming Dynasty¡¯s annual tax revenue. If only our dynasty had such a brilliant tactician¡­¡± Zhu Yuanzhang frowned deeply. He pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Second Son, isn¡¯t your wedding next month?¡± Zhu Biao blinked, startled by the abrupt change in topic. ¡°Yes, Father. The fifth day of the month.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. ¡°Send an invitation to the Zhou court. Include a personal invitation to Yang Yi.¡± Zhu Biao froze, his expression incredulous. ¡­ . Li Shimin leaned back, twirling the glass cup in his hand as a faint smile graced his lips. ¡°Most people would use glass to make money. Yang Yi uses it to deceive others. Such a cunning mind¡­¡± His courtiers chuckled, accustomed to hearing of Yang Yi¡¯s ruthless ingenuity. Chapter 111 Chapter 111 Li Shimin frowned. ¡°However, this person¡¯s military talent was fully exposed in this battle. A talent capable of ruling the country and leading troops has emerged in the Zhou Dynasty. ¡°Every generation produces its own talents. He is still young, while we are old. Who knows what kind of threat he might pose to the Great Tang in the future?¡± Everyone fell into deep thought. Changsun Wuji quickly spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, I believe there is no need to worry.¡± Everyone looked at Changsun Wuji in surprise. Li Shimin rubbed his temples. ¡°Wuji, what do you mean?¡± Changsun Wuji thought for a moment before answering. ¡°Although Yang Yi is highly talented, and he constantly provokes enemies and uses ruthless methods, over time, he will inevitably make enemies everywhere. ¡°What is there to fear? Even if he has extraordinary talent, can he truly handle enemies from all over the world?¡± Everyone nodded slightly in agreement. Changsun Wuji¡¯s reasoning was sound. Li Shimin nodded silently. ¡°Wuji¡¯s words make sense. Perhaps I am worrying unnecessarily.¡± ¡­ Great Qin. ¡°Your Majesty, this is the glass from the Zhou Dynasty. Our Great Qin has now purchased a large batch of glass from them. The price is not high, so it should be widely used in our kingdom soon¡­¡± Li Si reported respectfully. Ying Zheng held the glass bead in his hand, his expression complex. ¡°Is there really a genius who can do anything in this world? Even something as rare as glass can be made?¡± Li Si fell silent. He was a proud man, but looking at Yang Yi, he couldn¡¯t feel any pride. This person was truly a one-in-a-million genius. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed. . ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± A palace maid rushed in. Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow, wondering what had happened. This maid was the personal attendant of his youngest daughter. The maid quickly spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, the princess left a letter and disappeared¡­¡± The hall fell silent. Li Si lowered his head, conflicted. Princess Yinman was the emperor¡¯s favorite daughter. Recently, he had even suggested arranging a marriage between his son and Princess Yinman. Who would have thought she would disappear? Could it be that she ran away because she didn¡¯t want the arranged marriage? Ying Zheng remained silent for a moment. He opened the letter and read a few lines, his expression darkening. His daughter had run away because she was unhappy with the arranged marriage to Li Si¡¯s son. Ying Zheng rubbed his temples. ¡°Li Si, find out where she is immediately¡­¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty¡­¡± Li Si replied promptly. ¡­ ¡°Prime Minister Yang¡­ This is a personal letter from the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty. The Crown Prince insisted that it be delivered directly to you,¡± a guard dressed in Ming robes said respectfully. Yang Yi was taken aback. He opened the letter and read it, surprised. The marriage of a Ming prince was naturally an event to which their ally, Great Zhou, would be invited. But why did the Crown Prince send him a personal invitation? Yang Yi pondered for a moment, then instructed, ¡°Inform the Crown Prince that I will definitely attend.¡± The guard replied quickly. ¡°Yes, Prime Minister Yang.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After the guard left, Yang Yi immediately took a carriage to the palace. One joss stick later, he arrived at the Qianyuan Hall. ¡°They invited you?¡± Wu Zhao pondered. ¡°Since they invited you, you will represent our Great Zhou to offer congratulations. The Ming Dynasty has grown stronger in recent years. As the saying goes, ¡®Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.''¡± Yang Yi nodded solemnly. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. But I wonder if the Ming Kingdom has any plans or tricks up its sleeve¡­¡± Wu Zhao rolled her eyes. ¡°Who else but you could come up with such devious tactics?¡± She pursed her lips. ¡°Why would they set a trap for you at their son¡¯s wedding? Besides, you represent our Great Zhou. We have no grievances with them. Why would they provoke us? In my opinion, at most, they will admire your talents and offer various enticing conditions to lure you to serve in the Ming Dynasty¡­¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled. ¡°Then, Your Majesty, if the Ming Dynasty really does that, what should I do?¡± Wu Zhao gave a half-smile. ¡°What do you think, Minister Yang?¡± Yang Yi replied, ¡°At the very least, I should hold out until they use a beauty trap¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t help but laugh, a smile appearing on her cold and noble face, making her look like a snow lotus on Tianshan Mountain. Her ample chest swelled, forming a perfect curve. Yang Yi smacked his lips. ¡°Wow, at least an E cup,¡± Yang Yi thought to himself. . The Empress looked at Yang Yi with a hint of annoyance. ¡°I offered you Wu Mingyue, but you didn¡¯t want her¡­ Do you think my royal princess is not as good as those so-called beauties?¡± Yang Yi stared at the Empress¡¯s trembling chest for a few moments before blurting out, ¡°If Your Majesty were to use a beauty trap on me, it would definitely work¡­¡± Chapter 112 Chapter 112 The hall fell silent. Wu Zhao clenched her hands, hidden in her sleeves. Her expression remained calm, but her flushed ears betrayed her inner shyness. Her heart trembled. Yang Yi felt a twinge of guilt. Teasing the Empress was dangerous, but she didn¡¯t seem angry. That slight reaction gave him pause¡ªit almost felt as if she wasn¡¯t entirely opposed to his words. After a brief thought, Yang Yi spoke casually. ¡°Your Majesty, this humble servant believes teenage girls are too immature. However, women in their early twenties possess a captivating charm. Their maturity and boundless allure make them the most enchanting¡­¡± ¡°Enough,¡± Wu Zhao interrupted, her face suddenly impassive. ¡°I am tired. You may leave.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled. ¡°As you wish, Your Majesty.¡± Once he left, Wu Zhao exhaled as if she had been holding her breath. Her cheeks flushed visibly as she touched them lightly, muttering angrily, ¡°That insolent minister is getting bolder!¡± Still, she composed herself and walked to a bronze mirror, scrutinizing her reflection. Radiant and regal, cold yet enchanting. Her thoughts lingered on Yang Yi¡¯s comment: An indescribable emotion flickered in her heart. ¡­ Yang Yi had just exited the palace when a servant hurried over and whispered, ¡°Prime Minister Yang, a woman from the newspaper office wishes to see you. She calls herself M¨¤nm¨¤n and claims to know you.¡± Yang Yi frowned slightly. The name rang a bell. After a moment of thought, it clicked. She was the distinguished lady from the Qin Dynasty he had corresponded with when the was first published. Many had sent letters to the newspaper, but M¨¤nm¨¤n stood out. Her eloquence and elegant handwriting hinted at a prominent background. Her insightful comments about Emperor Ying Zheng had intrigued him, prompting their correspondence. Wu Mingyue had even been jealous, warning him that she might be a two-hundred-pound woman. In her last letter, M¨¤nm¨¤n had mentioned that her father was forcing her to marry. He had replied casually: sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To his surprise, her next letter had announced she was coming to see him. Yang Yi hadn¡¯t taken it seriously. After all, in this era, it seemed absurd for a woman to travel far just to meet someone. But now, she was here? His eyelids twitched as he cleared his throat. ¡°What does this woman look like?¡± The servant replied hastily, ¡°A national beauty.¡± Yang Yi straightened. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the newspaper office.¡± ¡­ At the headquarters, the atmosphere was tense. Staff members tiptoed about, diligently avoiding trouble. Wu Mingyue stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at the girl in front of her. ¡°I told you, there is no one named Runtu here!¡± The woman had appeared early that morning, claiming to be close friends with Runtu¡ªthe author of . Wu Mingyue, knowing that Runtu was actually Yang Yi, was fuming. The girl, dressed in a light blue silk gown with floral patterns, looked graceful and sweet. Her long, black hair was styled in a traditional Qin cross-bun, framing her delicate face. Despite her gentle demeanor, her figure was striking¡ªtall and elegant, with long legs. Ying Yinnan blinked innocently and said with a faint smile, ¡°But Brother Runtu told me he was here.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s chest heaved in frustration. Before she could retort, Yang Yi appeared. Wu Mingyue¡¯s glare sharpened. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Yang Yi smiled calmly. ¡°I heard someone was looking for me.¡± ¡°No one,¡± Wu Mingyue snapped. ¡°Are you Brother Runtu?¡± Ying Yinnan¡¯s eyes brightened as she looked at Yang Yi, surprised. She hadn¡¯t expected the witty and talented writer to also be so handsome. Yang Yi¡¯s eyes met hers. ¡°M¨¤nm¨¤n?¡± Ying Yinnan¡¯s rosy lips curved into a sweet smile. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s jaw tightened, her temper flaring. Yang Yi hadn¡¯t anticipated M¨¤nm¨¤n¡¯s beauty. She was far from ordinary, with those endlessly long legs. He thought to himself, ¡°My family name is Yang,¡± he said lightly. Ying Yinnan nodded obediently. ¡°Alright.¡± She didn¡¯t spare Wu Mingyue another glance. Though Mingyue was stunning, Ying Yinnan didn¡¯t view her as competition. Wu Mingyue boarded the carriage first, her anger barely contained. She turned to Yang Yi with a warning. ¡°Be cautious. This woman¡¯s background is unknown. Don¡¯t let her catch you off guard.¡± Chapter 113 Chapter 113 Yang Yi looked at Wu Mingyue with a strange expression. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Her Highness the Princess be jealous?¡± sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wu Mingyue snorted coldly. ¡°Hmph, of course I wouldn¡¯t get jealous. ¡°It¡¯s just that this woman looks like a fox. Be careful not to be fooled. She might end up deceiving you completely.¡± Yang Yi nodded in agreement. ¡°Rest assured, Your Highness. I will not be deceived. I always adhere to a principle when it comes to women¡­¡± Wu Mingyue was curious. ¡°What principle?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t disappoint good girls and don¡¯t waste time on bad ones,¡± Yang Yi finished and left gracefully. Wu Mingyue¡¯s beautiful eyes widened and she gritted her teeth as she watched Yang Yi walk away. To think that she was worried about that scoundrel Yang Yi being deceived. Wu Mingyue¡¯s heart fumed with anger. Technically speaking, his involvement with a woman had little to do with her. But for some reason, it left a sour taste in her heart, making her feel very uncomfortable. Yang Yi quickly took Ying Yinman to his residence. ¡­ An hour later, as night fell inside the mansion, Ying Yinman blinked her beautiful eyes and looked around at the glass windows in amazement. She could swear she had never seen so much glass in her life. Although she knew that the Great Zhou could already produce glass on a large scale, seeing so many glass windows with her own eyes left her completely astonished. She pursed her lips. ¡°Brother Yang¡­ how much did all these glasses cost?¡± Yang Yi looked at the astonished Ying Yinman and smiled. ¡°Prime Minister Yang developed the glass-making technology. Glass is no longer valuable in Great Zhou. Nowadays, a sheet of glass one meter in size costs only twenty ounces of silver. If more glass workshops are established in the future, the price will continue to drop.¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s rosy lips parted in shock. ¡°A one-meter sheet of glass costs only twenty ounces?¡± She took a deep breath, her heart filled with waves of astonishment. Because of the Great Zhou, glass was no longer the exorbitant luxury it once was. However, glass was still quite expensive in other regions. After all, transportation was inconvenient in this era, so glass didn¡¯t depreciate as quickly. But, whenever people arrived in Great Zhou, they were always truly amazed at the price of glass there. Yang Yi ignored the shocked Ying Yinman and ordered the servants to serve the dishes. He smiled. ¡°You must be tired from your journey. Let me treat you to some delicious food¡­¡± Ying Yinman nodded absent-mindedly. As a princess, she had seen all kinds of food. She wasn¡¯t particularly excited about the food. Moments later, a hot pot was placed in front of her. The fragrant aroma wafting from it invigorated her, and she sniffed and looked at the pot in surprise. ¡°What is this? It smells so good!¡± Ying Yinman licked her lips. Yang Yi picked up some slices of meat with his chopsticks and put them into the pot. ¡°This is called hot pot. Once the meat is cooked, you can eat it.¡± She perceived the aroma and felt a bit greedy. ¡°When will it be ready?¡± Yang Yi chuckled. ¡°Just wait a moment.¡± Ying Yinman nodded obediently, feeling expectant. ¡°You didn¡¯t really run away, did you?¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, asking casually. Ying Yinman blinked, swallowed her saliva, and smiled cheekily. ¡°Yes, my father insisted on marrying me off to a man with a dark face. I didn¡¯t want to, so I ran away.¡± Yang Yi looked at her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that I might do something inappropriate now that you¡¯re here?¡± Ying Yinman blinked and suddenly puffed out her chest. ¡°Are you?¡± Yang Yi kept a righteous expression. ¡°Rest assured, I am not a good person.¡± She snorted softly. ¡°Brother Yang, stop deceiving me. Everyone can see that you are a good person. And with such a great residence, you must be of high status. How could you do something improper?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. After being a bad guy for so long, this was the first time someone had called him a good person. He rolled his eyes. ¡°Really? My colleagues all say I¡¯m a living Yama¡­¡± As he spoke, he picked up the slices of meat he had just put in and handed them to Ying Yinman. Ying Yinman quickly ate a piece of meat, her almond eyes wide open. This is so delicious. The stew here is much better than anything she had in Qin! She almost swallowed her tongue. After eating several slices, the spiciness made Ying Yinman¡¯s lips turn red. ¡°Breathe, breathe, breathe¡­¡± Ying Yinman fanned her hand as she giggled. ¡°What living Yama? I think Brother Yang is a very good person. On the contrary, I¡¯ve heard that you have a Prime Minister named Yang something, who is ruthless and cunning¡­¡± His mouth twitched. Ying Yinman voraciously devoured all the slices of meat in the stew. ¡­ A moment later, Yang Yi looked at the newly elegant and graceful Ying Yinman with some amusement. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll take you to eat some fruits¡­¡± Ying Yinman licked her lips in surprise. ¡°It¡¯s the beginning of winter. Where would you get fruits? Brother Yang wouldn¡¯t fool me, would he?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Just follow me¡­¡± With that, he led Ying Yinman to the greenhouse. The greenhouse was something he had set up earlier to grow a variety of out-of-season fruits. A moment later, Yang Yi opened the greenhouse and entered. Ying Yinman followed him, feeling skeptical. As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes widened in amazement. ¡°This¡­ this is¡­ such big, thick¡­ eggplants.¡± ¡°There are even oranges?¡± Ying Yinman was stunned. She never expected to see these fruits in such cold weather. Yang Yi smiled, picked up a cucumber, and scooped up some water to wash it ¡°Here, try this¡­¡± Ying Yinman took the cucumber, looking astonished. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s so big and hard. What is it? Why have I never seen this before?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°This is called a cucumber. It¡¯s quite tasty, both crunchy and sweet. After eating spicy food, a cucumber is perfect to refresh your palate¡­¡± She looked at the cucumber curiously and then took a bite. . The cucumber snapped. Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. Chapter 114 Chapter 114: Shocking Ying Yinman! Yang Yi brought out another batch of fruits for Ying Yinman, an assortment she had never encountered before. Their vibrant colors and exotic shapes immediately caught her attention. These were treasures he¡¯d acquired through a system lottery. She nibbled on each fruit, savoring their unique flavors. Some were sweet, others tangy, but all were delicious. Never had she seen so many exotic, out-of-season fruits gathered in one place. The next day, Yang Yi decided to take her for a stroll outside the city. As they walked, Ying Yinman¡¯s eyes darted from one side of the road to the other. The bustling streets were lined with shops that gleamed with glass windows. Vendors shouted their wares, and pedestrians moved about with an air of energy and purpose. Compared to Qin State, Great Zhou seemed far more vibrant, almost thriving. Her curiosity spilled over. ¡°I had always heard that the State of Zhou was small and weak,¡± she remarked, her tone tinged with disbelief. ¡°But seeing it today¡­ why does it seem so prosperous? Although Qin is a powerful country, how does Xianyang compare to Luoyang?¡± Her words hung in the air for a moment before she stopped abruptly, her gaze locking onto a nearby stall. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Wait, what is that?¡± she asked, her nose twitching as a tantalizing aroma wafted over. ¡°It smells so good!¡± On the stall were several grayish items roasting over an open flame, their rich, earthy scent making her stomach growl despite her full meal the night before. Yang Yi chuckled at her expression. ¡°That,¡± he said, ¡°is a sweet potato. It¡¯s a specialty of Great Zhou. It¡¯s resistant to cold and drought, with a yield of one thousand catties per mu.¡± Her head snapped toward him, her almond-shaped eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°A yield of one thousand catties per mu? That¡¯s impossible! ¡°My father always said that the best grain yields in the Central Plains are in Tang and Song, but even in those well-tended fields, the most they manage is three hundred catties. Brother Yang, are you teasing me?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t we ask and find out?¡± Taking her hand, he led her to the stall. ¡°How much for a sweet potato?¡± he asked the vendor. The man, whose weathered face was marked with years of labor under the sun, smiled warmly. ¡°Which one do you like, young master? I¡¯ll weigh it for you.¡± Yang Yi turned to Ying Yinman, who pointed eagerly at a medium-sized potato. The vendor wrapped it neatly and placed it on the scale. ¡°Five wen,¡± he announced. Yang Yi handed over the coins and gave the roasted sweet potato to Ying Yinman. ¡°Here, try it,¡± he said with a grin. She accepted it, blowing on the steaming skin before taking a tentative bite. Her eyes lit up as the flavor exploded on her tongue. ¡°It¡¯s so good!¡± she murmured, her words muffled by another bite. Yang Yi turned back to the vendor. ¡°Brother, how was the harvest this year compared to last?¡± The man scratched the back of his neck and gave a sheepish laugh. ¡°I didn¡¯t take as good care of my fields as I should have, so I only managed eight hundred catties per mu. But Mrs. Wang next door harvested over a thousand catties per mu. It¡¯s been a fantastic year.¡± Yang Yi nodded thoughtfully. It seemed the tax incentives for sweet potato cultivation had worked wonders. This year¡¯s abundance would bring not only prosperity but also stability. Meanwhile, Ying Yinman froze mid-bite, staring at the vendor in disbelief. ¡°A yield of a thousand catties per mu? How¡­ how is that possible?¡± The man¡¯s eyes gleamed with pride. ¡°Miss, I¡¯m not lying to you. Thanks to Prime Minister Yang¡¯s guidance, we¡¯ve all had great harvests. At first, none of us believed it either, but everyone who planted sweet potatoes reaped at least seven to eight hundred catties per mu, and many exceeded that¡ªover a thousand catties!¡± The potato in Ying Yinman¡¯s hands suddenly felt heavier. She glanced at it, her scalp tingling with shock. This humble food was delicious, yes, but it represented something far greater: a revolution in agriculture that had changed the lives of countless people. Her thoughts swirled. The fields of Qin struggled to yield even half this amount. How could Great Zhou, once dismissed as weak and insignificant, achieve such abundance? Her gaze lingered on the vendor, whose weathered face glowed with genuine happiness. In this moment, Ying Yinman felt a pang of doubt. Was the Great Qin she had been so proud of truly as mighty as she had believed? Breaking her silence, she asked hesitantly, ¡°You mentioned Prime Minister Yang. What does this have to do with him?¡± The vendor straightened, his face alight with admiration. ¡°Prime Minister Yang is the one who introduced sweet potatoes and corn to us. Without his wisdom and leadership, none of this would¡¯ve been possible.¡± Ying Yinman frowned. ¡°But isn¡¯t Prime Minister Yang known for being ruthless and cunning?¡± The vendor¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve misunderstood. Prime Minister Yang may be called the ¡®Poison Minister,¡¯ but he¡¯s not cruel to us common folk. ¡°On the contrary, he¡¯s the reason we¡¯re living so well now. He¡¯s dealt with greedy merchants, provided disaster relief, and ensured that we have food on our tables. Without him, who knows where we¡¯d be?¡± He spoke with such conviction that even Yang Yi, standing quietly nearby, felt a twinge of embarrassment. The vendor¡¯s praises were so effusive that it almost felt like a hymn. As the man continued recounting Yang Yi¡¯s deeds, Ying Yinman found herself overwhelmed. She had always thought of the Poison Minister as a heartless schemer, but here he was, revered by the people he served. As they walked away, Ying Yinman couldn¡¯t shake her astonishment. ¡°Brother Yang,¡± she began, her voice tinged with awe, ¡°Great Zhou has surpassed even the Central Plains in many ways. Fields yielding a thousand catties per mu, glass windows in every household. And this Prime Minister Yang, feared by the powerful but loved by the people, supports it all. The Empress of Zhou is truly fortunate to have such a minister.¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°I think so too. Most importantly, Prime Minister Yang is not only wise but also extraordinarily handsome, elegant, and dignified. Truly a remarkable man.¡± She shot him a skeptical look. ¡°Is he really that handsome?¡± Yang Yi sighed dramatically. ¡°Even I must admit that I pale in comparison.¡± Ying Yinman blinked at him, her surprise giving way to amusement. Chapter 115 Chapter 115: The Unveiling of Secrets To Ying Yinman, the mysterious Brother Yang already seemed impossibly handsome. But learning that the infamous Poison Minister was supposedly even more striking? That left her stunned. As Yang Yi watched her expression shift from surprise to disbelief, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to himself. The two spent the better part of the day exploring the vibrant streets of Luoyang. By the time they returned to the Yang residence, the sun was dipping low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and crimson. Wei Zifu awaited them at the entrance, her expression urgent. ¡°Prime Minister,¡± she began, hurrying forward, ¡°someone from Qin is here to see you. They said¡­ they said their princess is at your residence.¡± Yang Yi blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His gaze shifted to Ying Yinman, who stood beside him. ¡°You¡¯re the Princess of Qin?¡± Equally startled, Ying Yinman¡¯s almond-shaped eyes widened. ¡°Prime Minister? Could it be that you¡¯re¡­¡± Wei Zifu glanced between the two, her surprise evident. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into an amused smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m the so-called ruthless and cunning Poison Minister you¡¯ve been talking about.¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s jaw dropped, a wave of embarrassment flooding her. Yang Yi¡¯s faint smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Let¡¯s meet these visitors from Qin. It seems they¡¯ve been rather quick.¡± Still reeling, Ying Yinman nodded hesitantly and followed him to the hall. Inside, a man dressed in black stood at the forefront, flanked by several Qin soldiers. Upon seeing her, his posture relaxed slightly, though his expression remained formal. ¡°Princess Yinman, you really are here,¡± the man said respectfully. ¡°His Majesty is deeply concerned about your safety. Please, come back to Great Qin with us.¡± Ying Yinman crossed her arms, pouting slightly. ¡°You got here quickly.¡± The man offered a wry smile. ¡°The day you left, His Majesty ordered us to track you down. We followed your trail through Great Zhou, discovered you were at the newspaper office, and then learned you left with Prime Minister Yang.¡± His eyes flickered toward Yang Yi, who stood with an unreadable smile. The man¡¯s wariness was palpable. ¡°My name is Zhang Han,¡± he introduced himself, his voice deep and steady. ¡°I am here on His Majesty¡¯s orders to escort the princess home. I request your cooperation, Prime Minister Yang.¡± Yang Yi arched an eyebrow. He recognized the name instantly. Yang Yi¡¯s gaze shifted to Ying Yinman, his expression thoughtful before a mischievous smile curved his lips. ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t stop you, as long as Manman wants to go back.¡± Zhang Han¡¯s heart skipped a beat. His eyes darted to Ying Yinman. The familiar tone in which the Poison Minister addressed the princess sent his mind racing. The thought made his blood run cold. As an ambitious young man, he had paid close attention to the famous figures of various states, but Yang Yi was a man who truly unsettled him¡ªa living Yama, feared and respected in equal measure. Ying Yinman¡¯s cheeks flushed at the sound of her pen-name, now used so casually. In this context, with her true identity revealed, it felt far more intimate than before. Her voice wavered slightly as she addressed Zhang Han. ¡°I¡¯ll return with you, but I want to stay another day. I¡¯ll leave tomorrow.¡± Zhang Han hesitated, glancing uneasily at Yang Yi before replying, ¡°Your Highness, His Majesty ordered us to bring you back immediately¡ª¡± ¡°No,¡± Ying Yinman interrupted firmly, crossing her arms. ¡°You¡¯ll listen to me, or I won¡¯t go back at all.¡± Zhang Han froze, stunned into silence. After a long pause, he bowed respectfully. ¡°As the princess commands¡­¡± Yang Yi chuckled lightly and turned to Zhang Han. ¡°General Zhang, do you have accommodations arranged?¡± Zhang Han nodded stiffly. ¡°Her Majesty, the Empress of Zhou, has already seen to our arrangements. Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister Yang.¡± S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow but wasn¡¯t surprised. The Empress undoubtedly knew about the arrival of these armed Qin soldiers and had likely granted them a measure of freedom¡ªas long as they caused no trouble. When Zhang Han and his men departed, leaving only Yang Yi and Ying Yinman in the hall, Yang Yi smiled playfully. ¡°Princess, you¡¯ve kept your identity hidden well¡­¡± Ying Yinman huffed, her arms still crossed. ¡°And you, Prime Minister, are no better.¡± Yang Yi laughed and settled into a chair. ¡°So, who does the Emperor of Qin want you to marry?¡± Ying Yinman sighed dramatically and plopped into a chair herself, her long legs swinging idly. ¡°Li Si¡¯s son.¡± Yang Yi nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Unacceptable.¡± ¡°Right?¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s face lit up, as though finding a kindred spirit. ¡°Li Si is so scheming! His son is probably just as bad¡ªalways brooding and annoying. Besides, I want to marry someone I love, like in ¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile stiffened. Ying Yinman tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. ¡°What about you, Prime Minister? What do you think of marriage?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s tone softened, his expression turning serious. ¡°Marriage should be based on mutual affection and respect. It¡¯s important to find someone who values you for who you are, not for political convenience.¡± His lips quirked into a playful smile. ¡°Of course, if you meet someone virtuous, you should prioritize your career. If you meet someone kind, you should start a family.¡± Ying Yinman nodded earnestly, her eyes sparkling. ¡°That makes so much sense.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s grin widened. ¡°But if you meet someone both rich and noble, well, why not have it all?¡± Ying Yinman blinked at him, her mouth opening slightly in confusion. Chapter 116 Chapter 116: A Trick for Ying Yinman! The Princess Disguises Herself! 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 ¡ªit 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¡ªan essential ingredient in the hotpot you enjoyed last night.¡± ¡°Hotpot?¡± Ying Yinman blinked in realization. The had been incredibly spicy. She picked up the chili pepper gingerly, her almond-shaped eyes filled with wonder. ¡°This chili is amazing¡ªfar 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¡ªI¡¯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?¡± S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. 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. Chapter 117 Chapter 117: Her rosy lips curved into an uncontrollable smile as she tilted her elegant neck. ¡°Brother Yang, you¡¯re too kind¡­¡± Ying Yinman was clearly pleased. With a graceful stride, she walked over and sat beside Yang Yi. Her long legs¡ªsmooth and white like jade¡ªangled to the side, accentuating her natural elegance. Yang Yi smiled warmly. ¡°How do the stockings feel?¡± Ying Yinman blinked, her clear eyes glimmering with delight. ¡°Very smooth, very comfortable¡­ Brother Yang, you truly are a genius.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips twitched slightly as he leaned back. ¡°Since you like them, I¡¯ll make sure you have a few more sets.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before she could respond, he gestured toward the feast before them. ¡°By the way, the barbecue is ready, and I whipped up some fresh sauces. Give it a try¡ªhow does it taste?¡± Ying Yinman nodded, her gaze flickering over the array of delicacies. But just as she reached for a piece, her mood shifted. A shadow of sadness clouded her eyes as she sighed softly. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll return to Qin¡­ I wonder if my father will still insist on marrying me to Li Si¡¯s son. I fear this might be the last time I enjoy something like this.¡± Yang Yi raised a brow and offered her a reassuring smile. ¡°Princess, if you ever crave these flavors again, I can have the peppers and sauces sent to you.¡± Ying Yinman shook her head slowly, her gaze steady as she met his eyes. ¡°Brother Yang, don¡¯t you know? The same food tastes different depending on the mood. It¡¯s not just about the ingredients¡ªit¡¯s about the experience.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched, amusement flickering in his eyes. Before he could respond, Ying Yinman¡¯s expression brightened, her eyes sparkling with newfound determination. She leaned closer, her voice soft yet expectant. ¡°Brother Yang, you¡¯re the number one strategist of the Zhou Dynasty. Surely, you can help me solve this problem?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s brows furrowed as he regarded her. He shook his head lightly. ¡°Princess, my so-called strategies are nothing but petty tricks. You might be asking the wrong person.¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°As long as the strategy works, what does it matter if it¡¯s petty?¡± Yang Yi stared at her for a moment, speechless. With a helpless sigh, he leaned forward slightly. ¡°Do you truly want a strategy?¡± Ying Yinman bit her lip, her voice firm despite the slight tremor in it. ¡°As long as it gives me a reason to refuse this marriage¡ªany strategy will do. Brother Yang, are you unwilling to help me?¡± Yang Yi slapped his thigh, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. ¡°Refusing this marriage? That¡¯s easy! How could I not help the princess after knowing you for over a year?¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s expression lit up, hope flickering in her eyes. ¡°Please, Brother Yang, teach me¡­¡± Yang Yi tilted his head, a playful glint in his eye. ¡°You could tell the Qin Emperor that you¡¯ve already pledged yourself to someone. Do you think Li Si¡¯s son would still accept the marriage if he knew?¡± Ying Yinman blinked, her face brightening for a moment before it darkened again. ¡°That could work¡­ but my father is no fool. A reason like that won¡¯t fool him.¡± Yang Yi leaned back, tapping his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Then why not actually pledge yourself to someone?¡± The room fell silent. Ying Yinman stared at him, her face quickly turning crimson. ¡°How¡­ how could I do that? Besides, there¡¯s no one I like. How could I make such a promise?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned serious, though his voice was laced with teasing. ¡°Sometimes, a strategist has to step into the battlefield themselves. Princess, I could lend you a hand with this¡­ small favor.¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment, her cheeks burning as she processed his words. Yang Yi smirked, confident she¡¯d dismiss the outrageous idea. But to his shock, Ying Yinman broke the silence. ¡°Then I¡¯ll trouble Brother Yi¡­ Brother Yi¡­¡± The princess¡¯s expression softened, her resolve unwavering despite the deep blush staining her cheeks. Her gaze bore into him¡ªearnest, vulnerable, and unflinchingly direct. ¡°I¡¯ve read and countless times. Even though I live in a palace, I long for true love. If I can¡¯t be with someone I love, how am I any different from a lifeless puppet? Instead of being forced to marry Li Si¡¯s son, I¡¯d rather entrust myself to you¡ªsomeone I admire and adore¡­¡± Her voice wavered, but her determination shone through as she stepped closer to him. Yang Yi¡¯s eyelids twitched uncontrollably. Her movement caught his attention; his gaze flickered to her legs before quickly darting away. Ying Yinman shyly pressed her knees together, her modest gesture only making her blush deepen. It was the first time she¡¯d exposed this much of herself to a man¡ªand her heart raced wildly. For a long moment, Yang Yi simply stared. Then, with a resigned sigh, he leaned forward. ¡°Brother Yang, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Ying Yinman asked cautiously, biting her lip as uncertainty crept into her eyes. Yang Yi¡¯s voice was low and firm as he met her gaze. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± His lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°M¨¤nm¨¤n showed up too late.¡± Ying Yinman blinked, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°This outfit,¡± Yang Yi said, gesturing toward the stockings, ¡°could only show its true beauty on M¨¤nm¨¤n. These stockings were practically made for you.¡± Ying Yinman¡¯s cheeks turned even redder. Yang Yi wasn¡¯t particularly obsessed with legs, but even he had to admit¡ªthe princess¡¯s legs were perfection. Taking a deep breath, he made his decision. With that, he scooped Ying Yinman up in his arms. She let out a soft yelp, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her toward the inner chamber. Chapter 118 Chapter 118 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¡ªyou 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.¡± ¡­ Great Zhou ¡°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¡ªdon¡¯t break her heart.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, the Empress¡¯s words lingering in his mind. ¡­ Three Days Later ¨C Ming Dynasty ¡°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¡ªplease, follow me.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s curiosity piqued. He nodded politely. ¡°I am honored. Please lead the way, Crown Prince.¡± ¡­ Fengtian Temple 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.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi smiled modestly. ¡°Your Majesty flatters me¡ªit 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. Chapter 119 Chapter 119 Zhu Yuanzhang deeply admired Yang Yi¡¯s talent and wished to retain him in the Ming court. Zhu Yuanzhang thought, narrowing his eyes. His beard bristled slightly. ¡°A loyal minister indeed.¡± He paused briefly before continuing, ¡°In that case, I will not force you. However, since Ming and Great Zhou are now allied nations¡­¡± His voice trailed off, and a sly glint flickered in his eyes. ¡°I have a few questions for you that I hope you will not hesitate to answer.¡± Yang Yi remained composed, his tone calm. ¡°Please go ahead, Your Majesty.¡± He was uncertain of Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s intentions but resolved to adapt as necessary. he thought, his expression unwavering. Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, a faint smile playing on his weathered lips. ¡°What do you think are the shortcomings of our Ming Dynasty?¡± The hall fell silent at once. The Jin Yi Wei guards, including Mao Xiang, who stood discreetly in the corner, appeared astonished but quickly masked their expressions. They lowered their heads, breathing evenly, their postures as rigid as statues. Zhu Biao, on the other hand, stared at Zhu Yuanzhang in shock. He had only been instructed to bring Yang Yi to the hall and never expected his father to pose such a provocative question¡ªespecially to a minister of Great Zhou. Yang Yi himself was momentarily taken aback. He had not anticipated that Old Zhu would openly seek his opinion. However, as he studied Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s smiling face, understanding dawned. he thought. A faint smile crept across Yang Yi¡¯s lips. Since Zhu Yuanzhang had asked so directly, Yang Yi decided to offer a plan¡ªone that might inadvertently hasten Ming¡¯s downfall. Yang Yi exuded an air of calm confidence, his posture upright like a steadfast pine tree. ¡°Of course, there is,¡± he replied smoothly. The hall grew even quieter. Zhu Biao and the other attendants looked at Yang Yi in bewilderment. This man truly dared to speak his mind. Even Zhu Yuanzhang appeared momentarily startled. He had asked the question out of curiosity, not expecting such a direct response. Most would have resorted to vague platitudes to deflect the question. Intrigued, Zhu Yuanzhang motioned for the palace maids and eunuchs to leave the hall. When only Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, the Jin Yi Wei guards, and Mao Xiang remained, the Emperor gestured for Yang Yi to proceed. ¡°Minister Yang, tell me¡­¡± Yang Yi took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°In my opinion, there are several areas where Ming could improve.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Yang Yi, his expression unreadable. For a man who had risen from beggar to emperor, crafting the rules and regulations of Ming with his own hands, hearing such criticism was unexpected. Even Zhu Biao and Mao Xiang were astonished. Could Yang Yi truly be treating Ming as if it were Great Zhou? Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, his curiosity piqued. He couldn¡¯t decide if Yang Yi was speaking nonsense or setting a subtle trap. Yet, his instincts urged him to listen further. ¡°Go ahead,¡± he said, leaning slightly forward. Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°First, there¡¯s the matter of granting titles to the Royal Princes,¡± he began. ¡°As far as I know, all the Ming princes are still in Ying Tian.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Yang Yi continued calmly, ¡°Your Majesty fought against the Yuan people, drove some away, and established Ming. However, the Yuan people in the north still pose a threat. If the court relies solely on local troops without the support of the princes, Ming¡¯s stability may be in jeopardy.¡± Zhu Biao¡¯s eyes widened. he thought, marveling at Yang Yi¡¯s insight. Even Zhu Yuanzhang appeared startled. Yang Yi¡¯s thoughts aligned with his own unresolved concerns about dividing the territories among his sons. ¡°What do you suggest?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang asked, curiosity overcoming his initial hesitation. Yang Yi replied without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s simple: establish three lines of defense against the Yuan people in the north.¡± The hall buzzed with silent astonishment. Yang Yi elaborated, ¡°The first defense line is the Great Wall. Using it as a border, grant lands to the princes from west to east, linking their territories to form an impregnable barrier. ¡°The second and third lines are the Yellow River and Yangtze River. By granting the upper and middle reaches to the princes, you create additional defenses. Any invader from the north would need to break through three fortified lines to reach the court.¡± The room fell into stunned silence. the guards wondered, incredulous. Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Yang Yi, his thoughts churning. The plan was brilliant¡ªboth pragmatic and visionary. Yet Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated. Was Yang Yi genuinely helping, or was this a ploy to sow discord? Zhu Biao broke the silence. ¡°Minister Yang, if the princes are granted territories and military power, won¡¯t that undermine the court¡¯s authority? History has shown us the dangers of such actions¡ªthe rebellion of the Seven States during the Han Dynasty comes to mind.¡± Yang Yi smiled, his eyes sharp. ¡°Crown Prince, who do you believe was to blame for that rebellion?¡± Without pause, Zhu Biao replied, ¡°The Seven States, of course.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened. He turned to Zhu Yuanzhang. ¡°What do you think, Your Majesty?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang pondered before answering. ¡°The fault lay neither with the Seven States nor the enfeoffment system. It was the Emperor¡¯s lack of benevolence. Emperor Jing sowed discord by plotting to kill King Wu¡¯s heir and stripping the Seven States of their lands. An emperor so harsh invites rebellion.¡± Zhu Biao fell into contemplative silence. Yang Yi¡¯s subtle smile returned. Chapter 120 Chapter 120 Yang Yi had deliberately brought up the ¡°Rebellion of the Seven States,¡± and, naturally, he had his reasons. In his previous life, he had read in the records of Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty that during a certain year of the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang had discussed his recent studies with Crown Prince Zhu Biao. Zhu Biao had mentioned that he had been reading the and analyzing the Rebellion of the Seven States. Zhu Yuanzhang had then asked, ¡°Who was in the wrong in that incident?¡± Zhu Biao had replied, ¡°The fault lies with the Seven States.¡± However, Zhu Yuanzhang had explained that when Emperor Jing had been Crown Prince, he often played games with the heir of the King of Wu, which had sown seeds of resentment. After ascending the throne, Emperor Jing had rashly trusted Chao Cuo¡¯s advice and hastily reduced the territories of the Seven States, thus igniting the rebellion. Zhu Yuanzhang, a self-made emperor who had risen from humble beginnings to establish the vast Ming Dynasty, had often acted with bold confidence. He believed he had pinpointed the root cause of the rebellion and was determined to avoid such pitfalls. For this reason, Zhu Yuanzhang fundamentally supported the enfeoffment of princes, convinced there was no issue with the system itself. Yang Yi¡¯s proposal of a three-line defense seemed perfectly aligned with Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s intentions. From beginning to end, Zhu Yuanzhang had never truly trusted those outside his family. To him, only his kin would remain loyal to the Ming Dynasty. Yang Yi was confident that Zhu Yuanzhang would not reject his proposal, even if it came from an outsider like him. The hall fell silent. Yang Yi smiled and picked up where Zhu Yuanzhang had left off. ¡°The emperor¡¯s lack of kindness breeds resentment among his subordinates,¡± he said. ¡°But what if the emperor is generous?¡± The officials stared at Yang Yi in stunned silence. Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°How generous?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes glimmered with a hint of satisfaction as he continued, ¡°It¡¯s simple. Treat all members of the royal family generously. ¡°The emperor¡¯s eldest son will become the crown prince, and the other princes will become dukes, with official robes of the first rank. Below the dukes, their eldest sons inherit the title of duke, while the other sons are titled marquises, with second-rank official attire. ¡°The eldest son of a marquis inherits the title of marquis, while the other sons are titled generals of the state, with third-rank official attire. The sons of state generals are titled assistant state generals, with fourth-rank official attire. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The sons of Assistant Generals of the State shall be titled Generals of the Nation, with Fifth-Rank Official Dress. The sons of generals of the nation shall be titled lieutenants of the state, with sixth rank official attire. ¡°The sons of lieutenants of the state shall be titled assistant lieutenants of the state, with seventh rank official attire. The sons of assistant lieutenants of the state shall be titled lieutenants of the nation, with eighth rank official attire. ¡°From General of the State to Assistant Lieutenant of the State, the titles are inherited with a reduction in rank. Below Assistant Lieutenant of the State, however, the titles are no longer reduced. Even after ten generations, they will still receive stipends and remain titled Assistant Lieutenant of the State¡­¡± When he finished, the hall plunged into a deeper silence. The officials looked at Yang Yi in astonishment. His proposal was astonishingly comprehensive, as though he had thoroughly studied the Ming Dynasty¡¯s needs. Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s gaze was heavy with scrutiny. The system Yang Yi had proposed matched perfectly with his own nascent ideas. ¡°Was Yang Yi truly advising in the Ming Dynasty¡¯s best interests?¡± he mused silently. After a tense pause, Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°This method indeed demonstrates the emperor¡¯s great benevolence. Future generations of our Ming Dynasty will owe you their gratitude.¡± Yang Yi smiled lightly. ¡°They should thank Your Majesty. I only made a humble suggestion.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s sharp eyes seemed to pierce through Yang Yi. ¡°Prime Minister Yang¡¯s strategy is brilliant. But I have a question: as a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, why are you offering strategies for my Ming Dynasty?¡± The atmosphere grew tense. Suspicion crept into the eyes of everyone in the hall. Yang Yi remained composed. He had anticipated Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s doubts. A figure as shrewd as Zhu Yuanzhang would easily detect ill intentions, but the brilliance of his plan lay in its subtle pitfalls, masked by apparent wisdom. Folding his hands, Yang Yi responded calmly. ¡°The Yuan people are enemies to all nations, not just the Ming Dynasty. If the Ming builds a three-line defense to block the Yuan in the north, it will benefit the Zhou Dynasty as well.¡± He elaborated, ¡°The Zhou Dynasty wouldn¡¯t need to deploy a single soldier to enjoy peace in the Central Plains. Why wouldn¡¯t I offer my advice?¡± The hall once again descended into silence. Zhu Yuanzhang frowned. He felt Yang Yi¡¯s words weren¡¯t entirely sincere, yet he couldn¡¯t pinpoint any flaws in the reasoning. After a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang let out a hearty laugh. ¡°Prime Minister Yang¡¯s reasoning is sound. The Yuan dogs are indeed a common threat. Your strategy is like adding wings to a tiger for the Ming Dynasty. For that, I must thank you.¡± Yang Yi maintained a sincere demeanor. ¡°The Zhou Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty are allies. It is my honor to assist the Ming Dynasty. United, we can fend off foreign threats and secure peace.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, his tiger-like eyes filled with laughter. ¡°Well said! I regret not meeting you sooner, Prime Minister Yang. After Prince Zhu Xiang¡¯s wedding, don¡¯t be in a hurry to leave. I still have much to discuss with you.¡± Zhu Biao, standing to the side, took a deep breath. His father¡¯s regard for Yang Yi far exceeded the usual treatment of officials. He had never seen Zhu Yuanzhang so warm to anyone. Even Mao Xiang, Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s trusted bodyguard, was astonished. Zhu Yuanzhang, known for his ruthlessness, was treating Yang Yi with unprecedented respect. Yang Yi smiled faintly. If Zhu Yuanzhang wished to continue their discussions, he certainly wouldn¡¯t decline. After all, there were more plans to unravel¡ªstrategies to reshape history itself. Chapter 121 Chapter 121: A few days later, Yang Yi departed from the Ming Dynasty. Ming Dynasty¡ª Zhu Biao looked puzzled. ¡°Father, are you really going to implement Yang Yi¡¯s strategies?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial he was reading and replied calmly, ¡°Why not? Don¡¯t you think his strategies are useful?¡± Zhu Biao hesitated before smiling wryly. ¡°They are indeed useful, but he is an outsider¡­ It¡¯s hard to tell if there are hidden motives in these strategies.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao. ¡°Then have you found any problems with his strategies?¡± Zhu Biao scratched his head awkwardly. ¡°No¡­¡± In truth, he had studied Yang Yi¡¯s strategies thoroughly over the past few days. Despite his suspicions, he couldn¡¯t find any flaws. The strategies seemed deceptively straightforward¡ªfocused on fending off the Northern Yuan invasions¡ªbut there had to be more. Yet, no matter how he analyzed them, he found nothing amiss. Yang Yi¡¯s strategies were undeniably perfect. Apart from granting significant power to the local princes, there were no apparent drawbacks. Zhu Yuanzhang glared at Zhu Biao in mild annoyance. ¡°Exactly. Do you think your father is foolish enough to trust just anyone¡¯s words? ¡°I have consulted with Song Lian, Li Shanchang, and others. They¡¯ve been analyzing Yang Yi¡¯s strategies these past few days. Their conclusion? No issues.¡± He leaned forward slightly, his tone sharpening. ¡°Even if the local princes gain considerable power, as long as future emperors rule diligently, these princes will serve to protect the dynasty, not threaten it. The three lines of defense, at the very least, ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty for hundreds of years. ¡°As long as these princes are not all incompetent, the Yuan people in the north will have no chance to invade. That is why I am willing to use his strategies.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang paused before continuing, his gaze steady. ¡°Biao¡¯er, remember this: do not hire someone you distrust, and do not distrust someone you hire. No matter how cunning Yang Yi is, he is only one man. ¡°We gathered all the ministers of the Ming Dynasty, yet none of them could find any flaws in his strategies. Do you think he is smarter than your father and all the ministers of the Ming Dynasty combined?¡± Zhu Biao straightened his back, smiling wryly. ¡°Father, you are right. Perhaps I am being too cautious.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang snorted lightly. ¡°Your concerns are valid. However, I believe his strategies are sound.People claim none of Yang Yi¡¯s strategies come without poison, but this man¡¯s wisdom far surpasses that of ordinary individuals. ¡°He is both farsighted and unparalleled. Truly, a pillar of the state. It is a pity he is not a minister of our Ming Dynasty.¡± Zhu Biao nodded. Despite his reservations, he couldn¡¯t deny Yang Yi¡¯s extraordinary talents. Geniuses like him were rare even among the most powerful nations. Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s expression turned cunning. ¡°Biao¡¯er, once your second brother marries and takes over his fiefdom, we should fully implement this system of title distribution. Announce to the world that this strategy was proposed by Yang Yi of the Zhou Dynasty. What do you think?¡± Zhu Biao blinked in confusion. ¡°Father, this move is¡­¡± Zhu Yuanzhang glared at him briefly before smirking. ¡°Think about it. What will the people of the world think if they believe the Prime Minister of the Zhou Dynasty offered a strategy to ensure the eternal prosperity of our Ming Dynasty? ¡°How will the Zhou people view him? How will their ministers react? And what will the Empress herself think?¡± Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Realization dawned on Zhu Biao. His eyes widened in shock. ¡°Father, are you trying to make it seem like Yang Yi is colluding with our Ming Dynasty to sow discord between him and the Zhou Empress?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled heartily, stroking his beard, his eyes gleaming. ¡°Exactly. One of her trusted ministers aiding a neighboring country with brilliant strategies? Even if she argues that it helps fend off the Northern Yuan, suspicion will inevitably arise. ¡°Public opinion will twist the narrative. The Empress will not remain indifferent to such rumors. And if we plant this seed of doubt¡­ over time, it may very well lead to the downfall of her unity with Yang Yi.¡± Zhu Biao gasped. His father¡¯s move was truly treacherous. Even if the Empress maintained her composure, such rumors would be like swallowing a fly¡ªan irritation that could fester over time. He looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with newfound respect. ¡°Father, this move is brilliant. But¡­ isn¡¯t it a bit ruthless? After all, he offered us this strategy.¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s gaze deepened. ¡°Ruthless? My son, there is no such thing as ruthlessness or benevolence in matters of state. Only what benefits the Ming Dynasty.¡± He paused, stroking his beard. ¡°A genius like Yang Yi cannot remain loyal to the Zhou Dynasty forever. If he falls out of favor with the Empress one day, our Ming Dynasty will have an opportunity to recruit him.¡± He sighed wistfully. ¡°I truly wish he were one of our ministers.¡± ¡­ Three days later, Zhu Yuanzhang swiftly implemented the strategy of enfeoffing the princes and issued an imperial decree. He first granted fiefs to Prince Qin Zhu Shuang, Prince Yan Zhu Di, and others, establishing a system of title inheritance under the guise of ancestral rules. Notably, he announced to the court that these strategies were proposed by Yang Yi. News of Yang Yi offering strategies to the Ming Dynasty spread like wildfire across the nations. ¡­ Great Qin Ying Zheng frowned deeply. ¡°After causing trouble for my daughter, he now aids the Ming Dynasty?¡± He examined the fiefdom system meticulously, searching for flaws but finding none. ¡°Has Yang Yi truly changed? Could he genuinely mean no harm to the Ming Dynasty?¡± ¡­ Great Tang ¡°This system is remarkably well-suited to the Ming Dynasty¡¯s conditions,¡± Li Shimin remarked, studying the map with a mix of astonishment and admiration. ¡°The three lines of defense resemble impregnable walls. Yang Yi¡¯s military talent is extraordinary.¡± Changsun Wuji exchanged glances with the ministers. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Why would he offer such a strategy to the Ming? Does he plan to leave the Zhou Dynasty and align with them instead?¡± Fang Xuanling stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Your Majesty, Yang Yi undoubtedly has an ulterior motive, but his strategy remains sound. At least, for now, it benefits the Ming Dynasty.¡± Li Shimin nodded, still perplexed. ¡°What is Yang Yi truly planning?¡± .. Great Zhou¡ª ¡°Prime Minister, you¡¯ve returned.¡± Wei Zifu, dressed in a maid¡¯s outfit, brought Yang Yi tea with a warm smile. Before he could respond, a maid entered and bowed. ¡°Prime Minister, Her Majesty requests your presence.¡± Chapter 122 Chapter 122 Great Zhou. Qianyuan Hall. Shangguan Wan¡¯er led Yang Yi inside. ¡°Your humble servant salutes Your Majesty¡­¡± Yang Yi folded his hands in greeting. It had been a while since he had last seen the Empress, and she still exuded the same dignified and cold beauty. This caused Yang Yi¡¯s thoughts to wander. What would this ice-cold goddess be like, gentle and tender on the bed? Wu Zhao looked at him with her eyes, her slender, beautiful hand picking up a stack of newspapers. These newspapers resembled the style of the Great Zhou Bao, but they had a distinctly fake feel to them. The words Great Ming Bao were prominently displayed on the front. After the Great Zhou Bao became popular among various nations, other countries naturally began to imitate it. Even the most foolish emperors understood the importance of public opinion after seeing how the Great Zhou Bao manipulated it to defame Qianlong. Newspapers sprang up like mushrooms after the rain in various countries. However, their sales were far inferior to Great Zhou Bao¡¯s. Wu Zhao placed the pile of newspapers in front of Yang Yi, her eyes flickering slightly. ¡°Take a look for yourself¡­¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow and looked at the so-called Great Ming Bao. It actually detailed the strategies he had offered to Zhu Yuanzhang. It even confidently declared these strategies as plans for the eternal prosperity of the Ming Dynasty. The articles also highlighted how he had pleasant conversations with Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao. He twitched the corner of his mouth. This was probably written to cause misunderstandings. Could it be that Old Zhu deliberately had this spread around? Old Zhu was trying to sow discord between him and the Empress. Yang Yi closed the newspaper and set it aside. ¡°Does Your Majesty think I would betray the Zhou Dynasty?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix-like eyebrows raised slightly, a nameless fire rising in her heart. Her cold and noble face showed a hint of anger. ¡°Are you questioning my trust in you?¡± The hall echoed with the Empress¡¯s voice, filled with a magnetic feminine quality and a hint of displeasure. Shangguan Wan¡¯er quickly lowered her head and retreated into a corner. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi was taken aback. He had spoken casually, not expecting such a strong reaction from the Empress. Wu Zhao also realized that she might have overreacted. However, she couldn¡¯t understand why, after hearing Yang Yi question her trust in him, a nameless fire surged within her, making her unable to tolerate any doubt from Yang Yi. The hall fell silent. Yang Yi blinked and looked at Wu Zhao. Wu Zhao turned her head away, seemingly not wanting to look at Yang Yi. However, what amused Yang Yi was that despite the Empress¡¯s girlish demeanor, she still had a cold face. The contrast between her icy expression and her somewhat cute actions was striking. Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Is Your Majesty angry?¡± ¡°No,¡± Wu Zhao replied coldly without turning her head. Yang Yi couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud. Shangguan Wan¡¯er was stunned and looked at Yang Yi in astonishment. Did Prime Minister Yang just laugh? Hearing Yang Yi¡¯s laughter, Wu Zhao turned around in anger, her clear black and white phoenix eyes glaring at Yang Yi. What was that scoundrel laughing at? Yang Yi cleared his throat. ¡°Your Majesty, I am not questioning your faith in me. I just want to know what you think about this matter.¡± Wu Zhao remained expressionless. ¡°What do I think?¡± ¡°Well, all of Great Zhou is spreading rumors that Prime Minister Yang wants to defect to the Ming Dynasty. Otherwise, why would you rush to offer strategies to Zhu Yuanzhang?¡± ¡°There are also many dissenting voices in the court¡­¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t believe them!¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Why does Your Majesty disbelieve them?¡± ¡°Could it be that you think I am a loyal minister with integrity?¡± Wu Zhao looked at him and snorted coldly. ¡°I just think, you are so sinister and ruthless, how could you be kind enough to help Zhu Yuanzhang with advice?¡± ¡°Nine times out of ten, this strategy has problems!¡± Yang Yi: ¡°¡­¡± My goodness. Is that how the Empress sees him? He spread his hands, and his mouth dropped slightly. ¡°I thought it was because I have a special place in Your Majesty¡¯s heart¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened as she instinctively looked at the Empress. Her heart was so shocked that it felt like it was about to explode. Is Prime Minister Yang flirting with the Empress? Wu Zhao glared at him angrily. ¡°That scoundrel!¡± She tried to calm herself, her tone steady. ¡°What special place?¡± ¡°I am the ruler, you are the minister.¡± ¡°The relationship between ruler and minister, nothing more.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled, his eyes fixed on the Empress with a rather presumptuous look, as if he wanted to pierce her eyes. ¡°Really, nothing more?¡± Wu Zhao somewhat unnaturally avoided his gaze, instinctively brushing her hair. ¡°You still haven¡¯t explained what this strategy is?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it over and over again, and I don¡¯t see any problem with it.¡± Yang Yi rubbed his temples. ¡°Since Your Majesty doesn¡¯t see any problems, why can¡¯t I propose this strategy for the sake of peace in the north and let the Ming Dynasty resist the Yuan people?¡± Wu Zhao instinctively fell into deep thought. After a while. She shook her head, her gaze fixed. ¡°I can¡¯t see any flaws in your strategy, but I know you don¡¯t have good intentions.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s mouth twitched as she held back a laugh. Yang Yi: ¡°¡­¡± Alright, alright, alright. So the Empress is relying on intuition alone, huh? He sat down next to her with some helplessness. ¡°This reputation of being a treacherous minister, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll never be able to wash it off in this lifetime¡­¡± Wu Zhao looked at Yang Yi with some amusement. ¡°I think it¡¯s quite unique.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched, then he changed the subject. ¡°Do you know what kind of person Zhu Yuanzhang is?¡± Wu Zhao was taken aback, her phoenix-like eyebrows instinctively furrowed. She fell into deep thought. After a while. Wu Zhao said slowly, ¡°This founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who rose from a beggar to become an emperor, is truly legendary. I¡¯ve heard that the systems he established in Ming are very strict, and he¡¯s ruthless towards corrupt officials¡­ He¡¯s probably a domineering ruler¡­¡± Yang Yi nodded slightly. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s assessment is not wrong¡­¡± ¡°Zhu Yuanzhang grew up in poverty and lost his parents at an early age. He later became a beggar and a monk, achieving nothing significant in his youth. It wasn¡¯t until he was older that he began to rise.¡± ¡°Experiencing so much poverty in one¡¯s youth often makes one feel inferior.¡± ¡°But Zhu Yuanzhang overcame difficulties to become the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.¡± ¡°Such a person must have a confidence that ordinary people cannot have.¡± ¡°His character was forged by his continuous successes.¡± ¡°Zhu Yuanzhang is both insecure and confident, making him a complex individual¡­¡± ¡°Because of these experiences, Zhu Yuanzhang never trusts outsiders.¡± ¡°In his eyes, only his own family would never betray him, and the Ming Dynasty could only be maintained by his own relatives¡­¡± ¡°Therefore, he is very resolute in his attitude toward enfeoffment.¡± ¡°And his strong self-confidence makes him believe that even if the enfeoffment system causes some problems, he has the ability to solve them¡­¡± ¡°So if I advised Zhu Yuanzhang to enfeoff his sons as princes to form a defensive line to protect the Ming Dynasty, he would definitely agree and even praise it highly¡­¡± ¡°The fatal weakness of the enfeoffment system is that the power of the princes threatens the court. But I took advantage of Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s inherent confidence and explained the advantages of the three defensive lines to him, and he wouldn¡¯t refuse.¡± ¡°And in fact, these three defensive lines are indeed useful.¡± ¡°After all, Zhu Yuanzhang is a formidable ruler. If the strategy didn¡¯t have any advantages, he wouldn¡¯t fall for it.¡± Chapter 123 Chapter 123 ¡°And this strategy is also the first one I used to gain Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s trust!¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix-like eyebrows raised, her pupils contracting as shock filled her eyes. She had never expected Zhu Yuanzhang to be so thoroughly analyzed by Yang Yi. Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile as his tall figure leaned forward slightly. His eyebrows rose, and his burning gaze locked onto Wu Zhao. ¡°The flaw in the enfeoffment system is that princes can easily become too powerful,¡± he began, his tone calm yet cutting. ¡°Zhu Yuanzhang is well aware of this and is confident in handling such matters. ¡°So, I took the opportunity to present him with the second strategy¡ªinheritance of titles. Zhu Yuanzhang believes the feudal system has no inherent issues. He attributes the Seven States Rebellion during the Han Dynasty to Emperor Jing¡¯s harshness and lack of benevolence. To accommodate his views, I suggested granting titles to all his sons and grandsons. ¡°Beginning with the eldest legitimate son as Crown Prince, the other princes would become Kings with first-rank official robes. Their descendants, through primogeniture, would inherit these titles. Those unable to inherit titles would receive alternative honors.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s voice turned colder, his gaze unwavering as he continued, ¡°For instance, below the rank of princes, their eldest legitimate sons inherit the title of prince, while the others receive the title of duke with second-rank official robes. This process continues down to the position of Deputy National Commander. Below that, the titles would stabilize. Even after ten generations, the lowest-ranking descendant would still hold the title of National Commander, accompanied by stipends.¡± Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°In other words, as long as they are descendants of the Zhu family, no matter how many generations pass, the lowest title they will hold is that of National Commander. Such an imperial favor is unprecedented among all nations. ¡°Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed, believing this strategy would ensure the stability of the feudal system. Your Majesty, while this strategy may seem to bolster the Ming Dynasty, it is fraught with pitfalls. In fact, you are making the same mistake as Zhu Yuanzhang by not recognizing the traps behind these strategies.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix-like eyebrows furrowed as confusion flickered across her cold, noble face. ¡°How so?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s slight smile returned. ¡°Firstly, the flaws of the enfeoffment system are unavoidable. No matter how generous the Emperor¡¯s Grace may be, it only lasts for two generations. When the sons and grandsons of the princes emerge, how will they remember the emperor¡¯s kindness? ¡°To them, the emperor becomes a distant symbol. Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s belief that familial loyalty will prevail as long as his descendants receive imperial grace is na?ve. It fails to account for the greed inherent in human nature. Fratricide within the same clan is not unheard of. After a few generations, the descendants of princes and the emperor¡¯s sons will be strangers who share only the surname Zhu.¡± Wu Zhao nodded slightly, recognizing the truth in his words. Yang Yi¡¯s reasoning was sound, and his ability to dissect Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s psychology so accurately was both impressive and unsettling. ¡°This is just the surface flaw of the enfeoffment system,¡± Yang Yi continued. ¡°In fact, it could even be seen as a sound defensive strategy against the Northern Yuan, allowing his sons and grandsons to settle disputes among themselves. ¡°But the real poison lies in the second strategy¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who had been silently listening, widened her eyes in astonishment. The Empress¡¯s assessment of Yang Yi¡¯s character was accurate¡ªhe truly harbored no goodwill. Yet, her curiosity was piqued. Wu Zhao¡¯s interest was clearly heightened as well. Her spirit lifted, and her gaze burned with anticipation as she awaited his explanation. ¡°The title inheritance system I proposed to Zhu Yuanzhang,¡± Yang Yi said, his voice eerily calm, ¡°may seem like an unprecedented imperial favor, but it is, in reality, a scythe of death. One could even say that no matter how many wise rulers the Ming Dynasty may have in the future, its fate was sealed the moment I proposed this strategy. Its demise is inevitable within approximately two hundred and fifty years, or even earlier. ¡°The countdown to the Ming Dynasty¡¯s fall began the day this strategy was implemented.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s breath hitched as shock coursed through her. This man had not only devised a strategy but claimed to have confidently predicted the exact duration of the Ming Dynasty¡¯s existence. Was he merely spouting nonsense, or was this strategy truly as devastating as he described? She took a deep breath, trying to calm her turbulent thoughts. The Ming Dynasty was still young and brimming with vitality. Its ministers and generals were unparalleled, its strength unmatched. Even the mighty Great Zhou would struggle against it. Yet Yang Yi¡¯s chilling declaration seemed to cast a shadow over its grandeur. Wu Zhao, though equally shaken, suppressed her emotions. Her voice, mature and dignified, echoed in the hall. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. If this strategy is an act of imperial grace, why would it become a scythe of death?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression remained composed. ¡°Your Majesty, do you know what will happen if this inheritance system is followed for three or four generations?¡± Wu Zhao hesitated, her mind racing. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted. Yang Yi leaned back slightly, meeting her gaze. ¡°Your Majesty, were you not very skilled in arithmetic as a child?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°You¡­ how do you know?¡± Her voice faltered, and a trace of surprise broke through her composed demeanor. How could he know something so private? Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched in amusement. ¡°Your Majesty, do you have a Go board here? And perhaps a bowl of rice?¡± Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow but waved at Shangguan Wan¡¯er, who promptly left and returned with the requested items. Yang Yi placed the Go board between them, then picked up a single grain of rice and placed it on the first square. ¡°Your Majesty, if the first square has one grain of rice, the second has two, the third has four, and the fourth has eight, doubling each time until the board is full¡ªhow many grains of rice would be needed?¡± Wu Zhao frowned, glaring at him. ¡°You know I¡¯m not good at arithmetic, and yet you ask¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er bit her lip, stifling a smile. Why did this feel oddly like teasing? Yang Yi suppressed a laugh and rephrased the question. ¡°Then, Your Majesty, do you think this bowl of rice can fill all the spaces on the board?¡± Wu Zhao glanced at the bowl, then at the board. ¡°Of course it can!¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened as he silently began placing grains of rice on the board. Wu Zhao leaned forward slightly, her clear eyes fixed on his hands. Shangguan Wan¡¯er watched closely as well, curiosity etched on her face. As Yang Yi continued, Wu Zhao¡¯s expression shifted. Her composure cracked, her phoenix-like eyes widening. Her voice trembled as realization dawned. ¡°This¡­ this is¡­¡± Chapter 124 Chapter 124 On the tenth square of the board, Yang Yi used the tip of a brush dipped in ink to write a small ¡°1024.¡± On the seventh square, he had already switched to using a brush. After all, the first six squares could still be filled with rice. Beyond that, it was impossible to place the grains physically, so he could only write numbers. Seeing that it was only the tenth square and Yang Yi had already written ¡°1024¡± on it, Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened in shock, leaving her speechless. She hadn¡¯t expected that the tenth square would require 1024. To think that the seventh square only needed one hundred twenty-eight grains. And yet, in just a few squares, the numbers had skyrocketed! Her head spun as she tried to process it. Wu Zhao wasn¡¯t much better off. Her phoenix eyes stared blankly at the board, dumbfounded. A faint inspiration flickered in her mind, but she couldn¡¯t quite grasp it. Taking a deep breath, Wu Zhao lifted her fair and beautiful face and fixed her gaze on Yang Yi. ¡°This board has at least three hundred squares. How many grains of rice would it take to fill it?¡± Yang Yi smiled cheerfully. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but this bowl of rice is definitely not enough.¡± He paused for effect, then added, ¡°Because I know it will take at least a million grains by the twentieth square.¡± Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er both widened their eyes in disbelief, staring at the seemingly simple board. The difference between the tenth and twentieth squares was only ten, yet the amount of rice required had already become astronomical. The hall fell into a tense silence. Wu Zhao bit her lip, her mind racing. ¡°You say this board and the rice are related to your strategies¡­ how exactly?¡± She felt like the answer was just within reach, hidden behind a thin veil she couldn¡¯t pierce. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s curiosity mirrored Wu Zhao¡¯s. Both women turned their gazes to Yang Yi. Yang Yi smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with a sharpness that seemed to cut through the fog of history. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he began, ¡°one grain of rice becomes two, and by the tenth square, it exceeds a thousand. Now, what if there were twenty Ming princes, and each had far more than two children? After a hundred years, how many royal descendants would the Ming Dynasty have?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s breath caught as the realization hit her. Yang Yi¡¯s demonstration wasn¡¯t just a math trick¡ªit was a metaphor for the exponential growth of royal descendants in the Ming Dynasty. If each prince had only two children, there would already be over a thousand descendants in ten generations. But a worthy prince would surely have far more than just two. What about dozens of princes? Her eyes narrowed in horror. Although she wasn¡¯t skilled in arithmetic, she understood enough to see that the numbers would be staggering! The implications of Yang Yi¡¯s strategy began to sink in. Shangguan Wan¡¯er, too, was stunned, staring at Yang Yi in disbelief. She had never imagined that the number of royal descendants could be calculated like this. Ignoring their astonished gazes, Yang Yi addressed Wu Zhao in earnest. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ After a hundred years, the royal descendants of the Ming Dynasty will swell to hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions! And those millions of royal descendants won¡¯t be commoners¡ªthey¡¯ll all be members of the royal family. ¡°They will not engage in production. All their expenses will be covered by the court. And the lowest among them will hold the title of National Commander. Your Majesty, that means millions of National Commanders! ¡°What kind of wealthy court could possibly afford to support these millions of parasites?¡± Then, his voice turned icy, carrying the weight of a devastating truth. ¡°My strategy is this¡­ Those millions of National Commanders will drag down the finances of the Ming Dynasty!¡± His words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Wu Zhao¡¯s body trembled, her heart pounding like a storm. Her pupils dilated in shock as Yang Yi¡¯s words echoed in her mind: Millions of National Commanders will drag down the finances of the Ming Dynasty! Each part of the plan¡ªfrom the three defensive lines Yang Yi proposed to Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s system of inheritance¡ªwas meticulously designed to exploit Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s character flaws. In the end, it would ensnare the Ming Dynasty in a self-destructive cycle. Zhu Yuanzhang would never suspect that the strategy he believed would secure his dynasty¡¯s prosperity for generations would instead lead to its economic collapse within two hundred years. Even if brilliant minds emerged to salvage the Ming Dynasty during a crisis, as long as Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s foundational rules remained, the dynasty¡¯s fate was sealed. Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze deepened as she stared at Yang Yi, her mind racing. This man planned to use the Ming princes and their descendants to topple the dynasty from within. Zhu Yuanzhang himself would unwittingly destroy his own dynasty. The ruthlessness of it took her breath away. If Zhu Yuanzhang ever realized the truth, he¡¯d likely be so furious that he¡¯d vomit blood. Shangguan Wan¡¯er was equally shaken. Her thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind. She thought of how the entire world still believed Yang Yi was aiding the Ming Dynasty. Even Zhu Yuanzhang, smug in his supposed triumph, had no idea that this was all part of Yang Yi¡¯s plan. This move was beyond treacherous. He deserved his reputation as the Great Zhou¡¯s ¡°Living Yama.¡± The hall remained silent for a long time. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wu Zhao took a deep breath, regaining her composure. She fixed Yang Yi with a complicated gaze. ¡°I knew you didn¡¯t have good intentions¡­ There¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Zhu Yuanzhang, of all people, doesn¡¯t realize that.¡± Yang Yi replied confidently, ¡°Yes, yes. How could Zhu Yuanzhang possibly drive a wedge between me and Your Majesty? My relationship with Your Majesty is very close¡ª¡± Wu Zhao suddenly narrowed her eyes. Yang Yi quickly cleared his throat. ¡°A very close ruler-minister relationship.¡± Satisfied, Wu Zhao raised her chin slightly. ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± If this guy tried to take advantage of her again, she¡¯d definitely teach him a lesson! ¡­ The next day, at dawn, Yang Yi rode a carriage from his residence to the Hall of Government. The Great Zhou court sessions were divided into minor and major sessions. Minor sessions occurred every three days, while major sessions were held every ten days. The day of his return happened to coincide with a major session. After the time it took to burn an incense stick, Yang Yi appeared in the Hall of Government. Many ministers looked at him with strange expressions, but Yang Yi didn¡¯t mind. After all, it was only natural for him to stir controversy¡ªespecially now that Zhu Yuanzhang had exposed him. Chapter 125 Chapter 125 Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s move was undeniably treacherous. He still sought to drive a wedge between Yang Yi and the Great Zhou. But as long as the Empress trusted him, such schemes were doomed to fail. Yang Yi swaggered to the front of the civil officials, positioning himself next to Minister of War Zhang Jianzhi. Zhang Jianzhi glanced at Yang Yi with a blank expression, his composure barely masking his irritation. Yang Yi offered a sly smile and folded his hands casually. ¡°Minister Zhang, long time no see.¡± The veins on Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s forehead bulged. He gritted his teeth and snorted, stepping away to stand as far from Yang Yi as possible. Yang Yi¡¯s smile twitched. Ever since he¡¯d fooled Zhang Jianzhi during their last encounter, the man had taken to avoiding him like the plague. Yang Yi could hardly blame him; after all, his previous actions hadn¡¯t been entirely honorable. Xu Jingzong approached, his face alight with humor. ¡°Prime Minister Yang has returned!¡± Yang Yi inclined his head. ¡°Lord Xu.¡± Xu Jingzong chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve made quite a name for yourself this time. Those three defense lines you devised¡ªeven the fierce Yuan forces will find them insurmountable!¡± Yang Yi sighed. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s cunning. His schemes forced my hand.¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xu Jingzong laughed heartily, his eyes gleaming. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No matter what happens, Wei Gong and I trust you completely.¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly. ¡°Do my usual actions really inspire such confidence, or is it something else?¡± Xu Jingzong leaned in conspiratorially. ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s mostly because everyone thinks you¡¯re too devious to aid the Great Ming without some ulterior motive.¡± Yang Yi stared at him. Alright. That explained his reputation. Moments later, the room quieted as Wu Zhao arrived fashionably late. Her regal gaze swept over the gathered officials before she settled into her seat. A middle-aged official stepped forward respectfully. ¡°Your Majesty, I bring excellent news.¡± The court¡¯s spirits lifted at the sight of the man. It was Yao Chong, the newly appointed Vice Minister of Finance. Recommended by Yang Yi months ago, Yao Chong had quickly risen to prominence, earning the Empress¡¯s favor. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. ¡°Speak.¡± Yao Chong bowed deeply. ¡°Last year, our Great Zhou implemented large-scale planting of sweet potatoes and corn. This year, the harvest has been extraordinary¡ªan average yield of eight hundred kilograms per mu. The people are overjoyed.¡± A collective gasp rippled through the hall. All eyes instinctively turned to Yang Yi. The introduction of sweet potatoes and corn had been his initiative. Few had expected such immediate success. If this trend continued, the Great Zhou¡¯s grain production would soon double. Wu Zhao¡¯s expression brightened. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that the crops she had championed would yield such remarkable results. Her gaze lingered on Yang Yi, satisfaction evident in her eyes. For all his brazen antics, his contributions were undeniable. ¡­ Great Qin Ying Zheng lowered the memorial in his hand and glanced at the palace maid beside him. ¡°What has the princess been doing during her house arrest?¡± The maid bowed. ¡°Your Majesty, the princess has been reading newspapers daily and preparing some¡­ peculiar dishes.¡± Ying Zheng frowned. ¡°Peculiar dishes?¡± ¡°I believe they are foods she brought back from the Zhou Dynasty, Your Majesty,¡± the maid explained cautiously. Ying Zheng¡¯s curiosity deepened. Rising from his seat, he ordered, ¡°Prepare the carriage. I will visit her.¡± ¡­ Feiyu Palace The scent of roasted sweet potatoes wafted through the air. Ying Yinman sat contentedly by a grill, savoring the aroma. Despite being confined to the palace, she had made the most of her time, indulging in the delicacies Yang Yi had introduced to her. She had even taken a sizable stash of sweet potatoes before leaving the Great Zhou. Just as she picked one up to eat, a familiar voice interrupted her. ¡°Hmm¡­ What is this?¡± Startled, she looked up to see Ying Zheng entering the room. Ying Yinman quickly stood and bowed. ¡°Greetings, Father.¡± Ying Zheng¡¯s gaze fixed on the sweet potato in her hand. Though he was an emperor, he prided himself on his knowledge of agricultural matters, yet this crop was unfamiliar to him. ¡°Explain,¡± he commanded. Ying Yinman blinked, gathering her thoughts. ¡°This is a sweet potato, a specialty of the Great Zhou. It was introduced by¡­ Prime Minister Yang.¡± Ying Zheng¡¯s brow furrowed at the name but said nothing as she continued. ¡°The Great Zhou has already begun cultivating it extensively. Sweet potatoes can yield over a thousand kilograms per mu, and they taste quite good.¡± Ying Zheng froze. ¡°A thousand kilograms per mu?¡± She nodded, clearly proud. ¡°Yes, Father. There¡¯s another crop called corn with similar yields. Both are now widely planted in the Great Zhou.¡± The hall fell silent. Ying Zheng¡¯s expression darkened as the implications sank in. Such a crop could revolutionize agriculture¡ªand the Great Zhou already had a head start. ¡°Show me the corn,¡± he said sharply. Ying Yinman complied, ordering her servants to fetch her supplies. Moments later, a variety of items were laid out before him: corn, chili peppers, and even out-of-season fruits. Ying Zheng studied each item, astonishment etched on his face. These were entirely unfamiliar, yet Yinman claimed they were already common in the Great Zhou. His thoughts churned. The Zhou Dynasty, once considered inferior, now seemed poised to surpass them in agricultural innovation. Ying Zheng turned to his daughter, his gaze thoughtful. Since his daughter had a close relationship with Yang Yi, why not marry her off to him? Chapter 126 Chapter 126: Taste the Flavor of Power! Pandora¡¯s Box of Desires! Great Zhou. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, an envoy from Qin wishes to see you.¡± An official bowed hurriedly before Yang Yi, his voice tinged with urgency. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. An envoy from Qin? He felt a strange discomfort at the mention of the Emperor of Qin, Ying Zheng. After all, he had shared a rather intimate relationship with Ying Zheng¡¯s daughter, Ying Yinman. Moments later, the envoy arrived. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, this is a letter from His Majesty,¡± the man said, his tone respectful as he handed over the missive. The envoy¡¯s attire, along with his Qin accent, left no doubt about his origins. Yang Yi¡¯s eyelid twitched slightly as he accepted the letter. He unfolded the letter calmly and scanned its contents. A peculiar expression flickered across his face. The Emperor of Qin had written about Ying Yinman in only the briefest of mentions, focusing instead on the agricultural treasures she had brought back to Qin¡ªsweet potatoes and corn. The letter politely expressed Qin¡¯s desire to obtain these crops from Great Zhou, with no further allusion to their relationship. Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled faintly. Ying Zheng¡¯s deliberate omission spoke volumes. The Emperor¡¯s subtle wording suggested he was well aware of the nature of Yang Yi¡¯s connection with his daughter. Knowing Ying Yinman¡¯s stubborn personality, she would undoubtedly use this relationship to resist any arranged marriage upon her return to Qin. It was clear Ying Zheng understood this dynamic but chose to tread carefully for the sake of diplomatic ties. After a moment¡¯s thought, Yang Yi smiled at the envoy. ¡°I understand His Majesty¡¯s intentions. We will prepare the requested items for you to take back.¡± Sweet potatoes and corn had become commonplace in Great Zhou, planted by nearly every household. These crops, originally introduced by Great Zhou, were already accessible to neighboring nations. Ying Zheng¡¯s act of notifying Yang Yi seemed to be a show of respect between friendly states. To Yang Yi, withholding such items served no purpose. If anything, it was an opportunity to foster goodwill while furthering the people¡¯s prosperity. The next day, the Qin envoy returned to Qin, bringing with him sweet potatoes, corn, chili peppers, and other agricultural innovations. ¡­The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Great Tang. ¡°Your Majesty, I have urgent news to report!¡± Fang Xuanling burst into the hall, his face flushed from haste. The ministers turned their gazes to him in surprise. Li Shimin, the Emperor of Tang, stroked his beard calmly. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°What is it, Xuanling?¡± he asked, his voice measured. Fang Xuanling bowed deeply before speaking. ¡°Your Majesty, word has reached me that the people of Great Zhou have been planting crops called sweet potatoes and corn. These crops are said to yield nearly a thousand per ! The harvests have been abundant.¡± The hall fell silent, every minister visibly stunned. ¡°A thousand catties per ?¡± Changsun Wuji repeated in disbelief. ¡°Xuanling, are you certain of this? Surely you jest!¡± Fang Xuanling sighed and shook his head. ¡°I wish it were a jest, Lord Zhao. But the reports are true. Last year, Great Zhou promoted the cultivation of these crops, and this year, their harvest has proven extraordinary. ¡°Furthermore, the Emperor of Qin himself has sought sweet potatoes and corn from Great Zhou. Your Majesty, we cannot afford to fall behind.¡± Li Shimin furrowed his brows, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡°That Yang Yi¡­ it seems he has a knack for uncovering miracles, doesn¡¯t he? Even crops that yield a thousand per .¡± The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. Yang Yi¡¯s accomplishments weighed heavily on their minds, each one monumental enough to define an ordinary official¡¯s entire career. Li Shimin broke the tense silence. ¡°Enough. If Ying Zheng has already sought these crops from Great Zhou, we must do the same. Sweet potatoes and corn will undoubtedly benefit our Great Tang.¡± Everyone murmured in agreement. After a moment of contemplation, Li Shimin continued. ¡°This time, the Crown Prince will represent me in this endeavor.¡± The hall grew quiet once more. The announcement caught everyone off guard. Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, had recently fallen out of favor with the Emperor due to his erratic behavior, including his infamous Turkic impersonations and scandalous relationships. Changsun Wuji lowered his gaze, his thoughts conflicted. He understood Li Shimin¡¯s intent. If Li Chengqian successfully brought these miraculous crops back to Tang, the achievement could redeem his tarnished reputation. ¡­ Ten Days Later¡ªQianyuan Hall, Great Zhou. Wu Zhao leaned languidly on the dragon throne, her graceful figure draped in imperial robes and her ample breasts seemed ready to burst from her clothes. Her every movement exuded both elegance and power. ¡°Li Shimin has sent his son, Li Chengqian, to request sweet potatoes and corn from our Great Zhou,¡± she said, her voice tinged with amusement. ¡°He even offers gold in exchange.¡± Her gaze fell on Yang Yi, who stood at her side, deep in thought. ¡°The task of receiving Li Chengqian is yours,¡± she declared, stretching lazily. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Li Chengqian?¡± Wu Zhao narrowed her eyes slightly. ¡°You must not harm him while he is in Luoyang. Remember, he is the Crown Prince of Great Tang and Li Shimin¡¯s eldest son. ¡°If anything happens to him here, it could tarnish our Great Zhou¡¯s reputation and provoke retaliation. Though we are strong, we are not yet ready to confront the might of Tang directly.¡± Yang Yi chuckled softly. ¡°Your Majesty, do I look like a troublemaker? Why would I harm the Crown Prince of Great Tang?¡± Wu Zhao arched a delicate eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s not what you look like¡ªit¡¯s what you are. I saw the way your eyes lit up earlier, clearly plotting some mischief.¡± Yang Yi smiled wryly. ¡°Rest assured, Your Majesty. I have no quarrel with Li Chengqian and no intention of harming him.¡± ¡­The Next Day. Li Chengqian, dressed in a three-clawed dragon robe, greeted Yang Yi with a polite smile. ¡°I have long heard of Prime Minister Yang¡¯s illustrious name, but I must admit I did not expect you to be so young. Truly, a dragon among men.¡± Yang Yi inclined his head slightly. ¡°Your Highness is too kind. The sweet potatoes and corn that Great Tang has requested have already been prepared.¡± He gestured with a gracious smile. ¡°It would be a shame for Your Highness to travel such a great distance only to leave in haste. Allow me to host you and show you the prosperity of our Great Zhou.¡± Li Chengqian hesitated, taken aback by Yang Yi¡¯s enthusiasm. After a brief pause, he nodded. Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a small smile. Half an hour later, Yang Yi hosted a lavish banquet for Li Chengqian. The table was adorned with exquisite dishes, and the atmosphere was lively. After several rounds of toasts, Li Chengqian, his cheeks slightly flushed from the wine, spoke in high spirits. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Luoyang in the Great Zhou to rival the prosperity of Chang¡¯an. Your country¡¯s governance is truly remarkable, with wise rulers and capable ministers.¡± Yang Yi smiled faintly but said nothing. He knew these were merely polite words¡ªflattery exchanged in diplomatic settings. After a moment of thoughtful silence, Yang Yi suddenly spoke, his tone casual yet inviting. ¡°I have heard that Your Highness possesses considerable expertise in military formations. Why not share some of your insights with us here in Great Zhou?¡± Chapter 127 Chapter 127 Li Chengqian was taken aback, he had not expected such an invitation from Yang Yi. His eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit inappropriate? Military affairs are state affairs, and it¡¯s not appropriate for an outsider like me to observe¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°It¡¯s just a routine training. If Your Highness could give me some pointers, I would be honored.¡± ¡­ Half an hour later, at the drill ground. A group of Great Zhou soldiers, already prepared, stood ready. They were dressed in Turkish garb, with their hair styled to mimic Turkish hairstyles. There was only this group of soldiers in the huge drill ground. Li Chengqian looked at the soldiers dressed as Turks, first stunned, then overjoyed. He usually enjoyed playing games with his subordinates in the Eastern Palace, pretending to be Turks, but he never dared to do it openly. He hadn¡¯t expected that Yang Yi would have prepared everything for him. Excited, Li Chengqian exclaimed, ¡°Brother Yang, you really understand me!¡± Yang Yi smiled slightly. ¡°Please, Crown Prince, train the troops¡­¡± Li Chengqian took a deep breath and his eyes lit up. He immediately mounted a horse and began to skillfully command the soldiers. Yang Yi stood aside and watched calmly. With great enthusiasm, Li Chengqian led the soldiers in maneuvers on the training ground until nightfall. Li Chengqian, still somewhat reluctant, said, ¡°Brother Yang, these soldiers are the elite of Great Zhou, they follow orders precisely and are incredibly easy to command. Yang Yi smiled slightly. ¡°If the Crown Prince wishes, you can come back tomorrow.¡± Li Chengqian was taken aback, then smiled. ¡°Thank you, Brother Yang.¡± The next day, Li Chengqian returned to the training ground, assumed the role of a Turkic Khan, and began training the troops. This went on for several days. In Luoyang, Li Chengqian, reluctant to leave, said, ¡°Brother Yang, I must leave Luoyang now. If I have a chance in the future, I will come back to visit you. ¡°It¡¯s just a pity that I won¡¯t be able to train the troops here like I have in the past few days.¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. ¡°Your Highness, as the Crown Prince of the Great Tang, isn¡¯t it easy for you to mobilize some troops?¡± Li Chengqian, sitting on his horse and holding the reins, had a shadow on his face as he smiled bitterly. ¡°I am the Crown Prince, not the Emperor. Father does not allow me to have the soldiers wear Turkish clothes¡­¡± Yang Yi smiled. Li Shimin would have to be out of his mind to allow that. He smiled warmly. ¡°Your Highness is the future emperor, it won¡¯t be long now.¡± Li Chengqian shook his head, suddenly showing a hint of resentment. ¡°Even though I am the Crown Prince, Father does not favor me alone. He values Prince Wei even more¡­¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled slightly. Even though they were brothers, Li Chengqian couldn¡¯t even bring himself to mention Li Tai¡¯s name. The conflict between them had clearly reached a critical point. Seemingly off the top of his head, Yang Yi said, ¡°Your Highness is the eldest son, while Prince Wei is not. How could he usurp the crown prince?¡± Li Chengqian, who felt offended and had gotten to know Yang Yi over the past few days, couldn¡¯t help but vent. ¡°Father favors him more than me. When I was young, I injured my leg¡­¡± ¡°Father¡­ Father must be dissatisfied with having a cripple as his heir, so he allowed Prince Wei to establish the Academy of Literature, a place where Father once gathered talents.¡± ¡°Now Father has put Li Tai in charge of the academy and assigned him to compile the ¡®Geography of the Empire¡¯. I don¡¯t have that honor.¡± ¡°Who is the Crown Prince, him or me?¡± Li Chengqian became more and more agitated. Because of his leg injury, he had always felt deeply insecure. Meanwhile, Prince Wei, Li Tai, had been showered with favors by Li Shimin, even being put in charge of the Academy of Literature, where their father once gathered talents. This only fueled Li Chengqian¡¯s jealousy and resentment. Having suppressed his feelings for so long, he now poured out all his grievances on Yang Yi. Yang Yi remained calm, seemingly offhandedly remarking, ¡°Has the Crown Prince forgotten how His Majesty the Emperor of Tang ascended to the throne¡­¡± Li Chengqian¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed as he looked at Yang Yi. ¡°What¡­ what do you mean?¡± Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Your Highness, the Crown Prince is the rightful heir of the Tang Dynasty. There is no doubt about that.¡± ¡°And if anyone stands in your way, then simply remove them.¡± ¡°The Xuanwu Gate incident is still fresh in our minds. If His Majesty the Emperor could do it, why can¡¯t you, Your Highness?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s words seeped into Li Chengqian¡¯s mind like a devil¡¯s whisper, stirring up the dark thoughts within. Li Chengqian¡¯s breathing quickened and his eyes began to show traces of blood. Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, his voice calm as if he was talking to a friend. ¡°Even though the Crown Prince is the eldest son and should rightfully inherit the throne¡­¡± ¡°But back then, the Hidden Crown Prince also thought he was as solid as a mountain. Who could have predicted the Xuanwu Gate incident?¡± Li Chengqian¡¯s pupils contracted and his fists clenched. Yang Yi¡¯s words seemed to have hit the deepest scar in his heart. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°Prince Wei¡¯s current power to rival you is all thanks to His Majesty.¡± ¡°His Majesty handed over his literary academy to Prince Wei, allowing him to recruit talent at will.¡± ¡°Why would a mere vassal prince need so many talents to rule the world?¡± Cold sweat dripped from Li Chengqian¡¯s forehead. He had thought about these things before, but usually buried his head in the sand. Now, with Yang Yi pointing them out directly, a huge wave of anger and hatred surged within him. Yang Yi looked at the increasingly angry Li Chengqian and suddenly said ¡°Could it be that His Majesty indulges Prince Wei because he sees his younger self in him?¡± This statement hit Li Chengqian like a thunderbolt. Li Chengqian¡¯s face turned pale and he began to tremble. Yang Yi¡¯s words instilled great fear in his heart. Yang Yi seemed to be talking to himself. ¡°There are only two sons eligible to inherit the throne. Could it be that His Majesty is weighing his options?¡± ¡°But if His Highness were to kill Prince Wei¡­¡± ¡°Then there would only be one son left to inherit the throne.¡± ¡°Would His Majesty have any other choice?¡± Li Chengqian¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed, and Yang Yi¡¯s words made everything clear to him. That¡¯s right. After all, only he and Li Tai were eligible to inherit the throne. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If he killed Li Tai, wouldn¡¯t the vast empire be his alone to inherit? What would it matter if his father was angry? He would be the only son! Yang Yi watched as Li Chengqian¡¯s expression grew darker and suddenly spoke again. ¡°Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, you can only enjoy yourself secretly in the Eastern Palace.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t Your Highness want to openly command the army without anyone daring to disobey?¡± Li Chengqian suddenly felt his mouth dry up. The feeling of commanding the army right now and doing whatever he wanted was simply intoxicating. However, if he returned to the Tang Dynasty now, he would have to endure all kinds of restrictive rules and regulations. The taste of absolute power was something he could no longer enjoy in the Tang Dynasty. It¡¯s easy to go from austerity to luxury, but it¡¯s hard to go from luxury back to austerity. After experiencing the thrill of leading tens of thousands of troops dressed in Turkish robes and acting with impunity, the thought of going back and enduring restrictions was pure torture for him. ¡°Brother Yang¡­ what do you mean¡­¡± Li Chengqian took a deep breath. Yang Yi smiled. ¡°When Your Highness becomes the emperor, who would dare to control you?¡± Li Chengqian muttered, ¡°But it¡¯s not just Li Tai, it¡¯s also my father. My father is still on the throne.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile was enigmatic. ¡°Has Your Highness forgotten how your Imperial Grandfather abdicated?¡± Li Chengqian trembled, his pupils contracting as he looked at Yang Yi in astonishment. The Pandora¡¯s box of his lust for power was beginning to stir. Chapter 128 Chapter 128: The Poisonous Plot of the Xuanwu Gate Coup! Half an hour later, Li Chengqian left Luoyang. Yang Yi, on the other hand, returned to Qianyuan Hall. Inside the hall, Wu Zhao threw a pile of memorials at Yang Yi, her expression unreadable. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Look at this,¡± she said. Yang Yi, taken aback, glanced at the scattered memorials, confusion flickering across his face. ¡°Your Majesty, this is¡­?¡± Wu Zhao folded her arms, her tone sharp. ¡°What else could it be? These are all memorials accusing you!¡± She pointed at the pile with evident frustration. ¡°You¡¯ve been mobilizing troops these past few days, which is one thing, but dressing them in Turkish clothes to accompany Li Chengqian in his antics? That¡¯s another story altogether. Many censors are unhappy and have submitted these memorials to me.¡± She picked up one document and slammed it onto the table. ¡°Look at Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s memorial¡ªit claims you recklessly mobilized troops to flatter the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty and dishonored Great Zhou. And this one from Hanlin Academy,¡± she continued, waving another paper, ¡°denounces you as utterly shameless. They argue that making our Great Zhou troops wear foreign clothes is a disgrace to our dignity.¡± Yang Yi stood still for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. Wu Zhao narrowed her eyes. ¡°What are you laughing at? People are scolding you.¡± Yang Yi clasped his hands together respectfully and smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, it is precisely because so many people are scolding me that I am happy.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er, standing silently to the side, blinked in confusion. Wu Zhao¡¯s brows furrowed as she looked at Yang Yi¡¯s cheerful expression. ¡°Do you¡­ need to see a doctor? Why are you happy about being scolded?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Your Majesty, the reason I am happy is simple. These memorials show that our ministers, despite the power I wield, still have the courage to criticize me openly and offer straightforward advice. Instead of being cowards who pretend not to see wrongdoings, they stand up for what they believe. ¡°A country with ministers unafraid to speak out is truly blessed. And so, I am happy¡ªfor Great Zhou and for Your Majesty.¡± Wu Zhao blinked, stunned by his response. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration as she studied Yang Yi. His magnanimity was astonishing, far beyond what most people could muster. Wu Zhao fell silent for a moment before finally speaking again. ¡°So why did you dress the troops like that? Just because Li Chengqian enjoys pretending to be a Turk?¡± The Crown Prince of Tang Dynasty¡¯s peculiar hobby was no secret. Tales of his antics had spread far and wide¡ªbad news traveled faster than good, after all. Yang Yi smirked and pulled a chair over, sitting down casually. ¡°Your Majesty, are you aware of how much Li Shimin detests Li Chengqian¡¯s behavior of dressing like a Turk?¡± Wu Zhao nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Of course I know. But are you implying you did this to provoke Li Shimin further, to make him more disgusted with the Crown Prince?¡± Yang Yi chuckled softly. ¡°That¡¯s part of it, Your Majesty, but only incidental. My main target wasn¡¯t Li Shimin.¡± Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then who?¡± ¡°Li Chengqian.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression darkened in confusion. ¡°Li Chengqian?¡± Yang Yi leaned back, the faintest glint of mischief in his eyes. ¡°Your Majesty, may I ask you a question? You enjoy three meals a day prepared with the finest ingredients. But if you were suddenly restricted to nothing but porridge and vegetables, would you be able to accept it?¡± Wu Zhao frowned, shaking her head. ¡°I could endure it, but it would be extremely unpleasant.¡± Yang Yi clapped his hands with a laugh. ¡°Exactly. Living frugally and then experiencing luxury is easy. But going from luxury to frugality? That¡¯s torture. ¡°Li Chengqian, in the Eastern Palace of Great Zhou, is secretly indulging his fantasies of being a Turk with his subordinates. But once he returns to the Tang Dynasty, where his father¡¯s strict eye watches his every move, he won¡¯t have such freedom. ¡°Now, I let him command troops, revel in power, and enjoy the adoration of thousands. Once he tastes this kind of freedom, returning to his cage will be unbearable. It will gnaw at him, poison him, and haunt his heart.¡± The hall fell silent, Wu Zhao¡¯s gaze dark and unreadable. ¡°Are you trying to sow discord between him and his father?¡± she finally asked. Shangguan Wan¡¯er gasped softly, her face pale with shock. Yang Yi¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°All I did was plant the idea in his mind. I told him that to gain true freedom, he must become emperor. Only as emperor will no one dare to reprimand or restrain him. ¡°And I reminded him that his father, Li Shimin, wasn¡¯t the eldest son, yet he killed his brother, forced his father to abdicate, and claimed the throne. I simply asked: Why can¡¯t he do the same?¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s lips parted slightly as she processed his words. Her eyelids twitched, and her heart raced. Yang Yi¡¯s cunning surpassed her imagination. This wasn¡¯t merely sowing discord¡ªit was inciting rebellion. He had planted a seed of ambition that could grow into the same bloody betrayal that marked the Xuanwu Gate Coup. Shangguan Wan¡¯er looked at Yang Yi in awe and fear. The devious brilliance of his plan was staggering. Wu Zhao took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the turbulent emotions in her chest. ¡°So this was your plan all along. No wonder you carried out such strange actions.¡± Yang Yi shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°It didn¡¯t cost me anything. If it doesn¡¯t work, so be it. But if it does, and Li Chengqian raises his sword against his father, won¡¯t that cause trouble for the Tang Dynasty? ¡°A no-cost maneuver with the potential to destabilize an enemy country? Why wouldn¡¯t I try?¡± Chapter 129 Chapter 129 Wu Zhao¡¯s eyelids twitched. H. Li Shimin probably never imagined that Yang Yi¡¯s plan against his son was simply because it cost nothing. She rubbed her temples, her gaze on Yang Yi carrying a complicated weight. ¡°I knew you had no good intentions. ¡°Forget it. You don¡¯t need to pay attention to these monuments,¡± she added with a sigh, pushing a stack of papers toward him. ¡°Take a look at these.¡± Yang Yi blinked, his curiosity piqued as he picked up the stack. The top layer contained newspapers from the Song Dynasty, with a few intelligence reports tucked underneath. He began skimming the contents. Before long, his expression shifted to one of mild amusement mingled with annoyance. These newspapers were nothing but smears against Great Zhou¡¯s reputation. Wu Zhao snorted, her brows knitting in indignation. ¡°Ever since our Great Zhou defeated and executed Gao Qiu and his army, Song Emperor Zhao Ji has been using their newspapers to slander us repeatedly. ¡°Although their circulation is far less than our it¡¯s still disgusting.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s lips quirked upward in faint amusement. ¡°It was their greed that led them into my trap. Besides, I gave them the glass. Can they blame others for being too smart when they were foolish? They brought their army here to demand money from Great Zhou¡ªshameless behavior.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s frustration bubbled over as she jabbed a finger at the pile. ¡°And now they¡¯re smearing our nation all over the place. It¡¯s utterly infuriating!¡± Yang Yi seemed unbothered. To him, using public opinion as a weapon against enemy nations was par for the course. However, Wu Zhao¡¯s mounting anger was palpable. She suddenly pulled a specific newspaper from the pile, waving it in his direction. ¡°Look at this!¡± she fumed. ¡°A dignified national publication, stooping to wild claims without evidence. Where¡¯s their sense of dignity as a ¡®great nation¡¯?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s curiosity finally stirred. Taking the newspaper from her, his eyes skimmed the headlines. Several large, bold titles stared back at him: Yang Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. . He continued flipping through the pages, his expression turning bemused. The content read like entertainment tabloids from the future, filled with outlandish accusations of scandal between him and the Empress. Yang Yi found it more amusing than offensive. If anything, it was a testament to how desperate Zhao Ji had become. Meanwhile, Wu Zhao¡¯s face darkened, her chest heaving with indignation. ¡°It¡¯s utterly humiliating!¡± she snapped. ¡°They¡¯ve even suggested I summon you to the palace at night and dismiss you only the following morning. They¡¯re ruining my reputation!¡± Yang Yi sighed inwardly, glancing at her. Unlike him, Wu Zhao couldn¡¯t take the slander lightly. To her, it wasn¡¯t just personal¡ªit was an affront to the dignity of her position and, by extension, Great Zhou itself. In this era, the hierarchical relationship between monarch and minister was sacrosanct. The monarch was often regarded as a ¡°parent¡± figure, with ministers likened to ¡°children.¡± Such baseless rumors sought to disrupt that sacred order, tarnishing not only her but also the societal structure they represented. Yang Yi nodded solemnly. ¡°It is indeed shameless and despicable,¡± he remarked. ¡°Unable to defeat us, they resort to slandering Your Majesty. Truly excessive.¡± Wu Zhao nodded vigorously. ¡°Exactly! And I¡¯ve heard their newspaper sales have increased because of these fabricated stories. It¡¯s outrageous!¡± Her voice trembled with barely contained fury. Yang Yi, meanwhile, couldn¡¯t help a wry smile. Scandals involving prominent figures always sold well. He¡¯d exploited this very tactic against others before, so it was no surprise it had come full circle. Still, he maintained his composure. ¡°Yang Qing,¡± Wu Zhao asked, her tone sharp. ¡°Do you have any way to deal with these hateful Song people?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes glimmered with mischief as he contemplated. ¡°They¡¯re tarnishing Your Majesty¡¯s reputation,¡± he mused aloud, ¡°so we¡¯ll repay them in kind.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You plan to smear Zhao Ji¡¯s reputation?¡± she asked eagerly. Yang Yi shook his head. ¡°What reputation does Zhao Ji even have left? He¡¯s already despised by his people.¡± Wu Zhao blinked, momentarily puzzled, while Shangguan Wan¡¯er, standing nearby, tilted her head in confusion. Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°If they dare tarnish Your Majesty¡¯s image, I¡¯ll ensure the Song Dynasty becomes the laughingstock of all nations¡ªa pariah among kingdoms.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression shifted from confusion to satisfaction. ¡°Good. That¡¯s exactly how it should be,¡± she declared. ¡°What¡¯s your plan?¡± Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Yi gave a mysterious smile. ¡°Your Majesty, just wait and see.¡± With that, he turned to leave. Wu Zhao¡¯s mouth twitched. . After Yang Yi had gone, Shangguan Wan¡¯er leaned closer to Wu Zhao, a teasing glint in her eyes. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± she began, ¡°did you notice? Yang Yi seemed almost pleased when he saw the Song people¡¯s slander about you and him.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s face flushed as she shot Shangguan Wan¡¯er a glare. ¡°Mind your own business,¡± she snapped. Of course, she¡¯d noticed Yang Yi¡¯s expression. It was hard to miss¡ªand even harder to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks. Shangguan Wan¡¯er giggled softly, sticking out her tongue. It seems the Empress had already realized it. Chapter 130 Chapter 130 Bianjing. ¡°Your Majesty, the sales of these newspapers are doing remarkably well now,¡± Cai Jing said, his tone ingratiating. Zhao Ji snorted coldly, his expression smug. ¡°I want to ruin that woman¡¯s reputation.¡± His voice carried a trace of malice. ¡° I think she has quite a relationship with Yang Yi..¡± Cai Jing¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Your Majesty, shall I continue increasing the paper¡¯s circulation?¡± Zhao Ji nodded slowly, his lips curling into a sneer. Great Zhou had humiliated him, and he had no intention of letting it go. Tarnishing the Empress¡¯s reputation would disgust Great Zhou¡ªand that alone was satisfying enough. ¡­ The next day at Luoyang. ¡°Do you understand what I¡¯ve said?¡± Yang Yi asked, his voice pleasant yet firm. Before him stood an elderly man with graying hair and a weathered face, who smiled nervously. ¡°Prime Minister, rest assured. I¡¯ll handle this matter properly¡­ but, Prime Minister, after this¡­ I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to stay in the Song Kingdom.¡± He chuckled awkwardly, his expression turning servile. ¡°If Great Zhou could offer me shelter, that would be even better.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile remained as he shook his head slightly. ¡°The money I¡¯ve given you is more than enough for you to disappear far away.¡± He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to stay in Great Zhou either. After all, you¡¯ll be making quite a name for yourself this time.¡± The old man¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, but he quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, Prime Minister. I understand.¡± ¡­ In a bustling street in Luoyang, the area was lined with inns and teahouses, catering to merchants from far and wide. As a hub of water transport, Luoyang attracted traders from across the world. Among them was Liu Feng, a young merchant of about twenty years old from the Ming Dynasty. Recently married, he had come to Luoyang to negotiate a deal for his small cloth business. Today, Liu Feng planned to buy jewelry for his wife, hoping to surprise her with something exquisite from Great Zhou. Just as he was about to enter a jewelry store, he heard a low moan nearby. Startled, Liu Feng turned his head and saw an elderly man lying by the roadside, clutching his leg and groaning in pain. Concerned, Liu Feng hurried over. ¡°Old man, are you alright?¡± The man¡¯s face was lined with wrinkles, his clothes plain and worn. He winced in apparent agony. ¡°My leg¡­ My leg hurts. I can¡¯t stand.¡± Frowning, Liu Feng knelt beside him. ¡°Uncle, let me help you up. If it¡¯s serious, you¡¯ll need to see a doctor.¡± The old man¡¯s eyes flickered briefly before he nodded. ¡°Young man, I¡¯ll trouble you then.¡± Liu Feng smiled. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. Don¡¯t worry.¡± He offered his hand, pulling the man to his feet with little effort. But as soon as the old man stood, he cried out again, his face contorted in pain. ¡°Young man, my leg must be broken¡­ I can¡¯t put any weight on it.¡± Liu Feng frowned. ¡°Uncle, I¡¯ll take you to a doctor right away.¡± The old man shook his head stubbornly. ¡°No need for that. Just give me one thousand taels for medical expenses, and I¡¯ll find a doctor myself.¡± Liu Feng froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. ¡°One thousand taels?!¡± The sum was outrageous¡ªmore than the profit he hoped to earn from his current trade journey. ¡°Uncle,¡± Liu Feng said after a long pause, his voice laced with anger. ¡°I helped you up out of kindness. Why would you demand money from me?¡± The old man¡¯s expression shifted, his tone suddenly righteous. ¡°You knocked me down! Shouldn¡¯t you compensate me for my injuries?¡± Liu Feng stared at him, dumbfounded. ¡°Knocked you down? I never touched you! I only helped you get up!¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The old man¡¯s voice grew louder. ¡°If you didn¡¯t knock me down, why did you help me?¡± Liu Feng was speechless, his anger boiling over. ¡°Shameless!¡± he muttered, shaking off the man¡¯s grip and stepping away. But before he could leave, the old man lunged forward and grabbed his arm, yelling at the top of his lungs, ¡°Help! This young man broke my leg and is trying to run away!¡± The street fell silent. Heads turned toward the commotion, and soon a crowd began to gather. ¡°There is no justice!¡± the old man wailed, his voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯m an old man of sixty, and this bully knocked me down and broke my leg!¡± Liu Feng¡¯s vision blurred with frustration. This shameless old man was framing him! The crowd, however, was quick to judge. ¡°How despicable!¡± someone shouted. A burly man stepped forward, his voice booming. ¡°You knocked down an old man and are trying to escape? How disgraceful! I, Xu Zhu¡­ no, I, Xu We can¡¯t just stand by!¡± Liu Feng clenched his fists, trying to defend himself. ¡°I didn¡¯t knock him down! I was only helping him up!¡± The old man¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡°If you didn¡¯t knock me down, why would you help me?¡± The crowd murmured in agreement, their accusing eyes fixed on Liu Feng. ¡°How shameless,¡± someone muttered. ¡°Such a young man bullying an old person¡ªdisgusting!¡± another added. Liu Feng felt his head spinning, his attempts to explain drowned out by the crowd¡¯s outrage. Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the chaos. ¡°Make way! Let me see what¡¯s going on!¡± An official in a green robe approached, flanked by a group of officers. The crowd parted to let him through, their angry murmurs subsiding. The official surveyed the scene, his expression stern. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± Chapter 131 Chapter 131 The old man hastily spoke, ¡°Sir, I was walking down the street when this young man suddenly ran into me and broke my leg. I can hardly stand now. I just asked him for some medical expenses, but he tried to run away¡­¡± He staggered and almost fell, prompting the people nearby to rush to steady him. Liu Feng immediately protested, ¡°Sir, I really didn¡¯t bump into him. I just helped him up.¡± The crowd jeered, ¡°If you didn¡¯t bump into him, why did you help him?¡± Liu Feng¡¯s face turned pale. The officer frowned, his voice calm as he asked, ¡°Where are you from?¡± Liu Feng, desperate, answered, ¡°Sir, I am a merchant from the Ming Dynasty.¡± Turning to the old man, the officer inquired, ¡°And where are you from, elder?¡± The old man quickly responded, ¡°I am from the Song Dynasty.¡± Suddenly, another voice interrupted. ¡°Wait¡­¡± The crowd turned in surprise as a group of young men approached. The leader stepped forward and bowed to the officer. ¡°Wei Hong, a merchant from the Han Dynasty, greets you, sir.¡± The officer nodded slightly. ¡°What do you wish to say?¡± Wei Hong, who was actually Wei Qing in disguise, offered a faint smile, his gaze sharp. ¡°Just now, my friends and I were having tea at the teahouse. We happened to see this old man fall to the ground by himself, and this gentleman ran over to help him up. ¡°We saw it clearly; it wasn¡¯t that gentleman who knocked him down.¡± Liu Feng¡¯s eyes welled up. Finally, someone is standing up for me. The crowd erupted in whispers, their skeptical eyes now fixed on the old man. The young man speaking was from the Han Kingdom and had no connection to Liu Feng, making bias unlikely. The officer, looking taken aback, paused to think. ¡°You saw it?¡± Wei Qing, still in disguise, gestured toward a nearby tavern and teahouse. ¡°We were seated at the window and witnessed the entire scene. I believe we weren¡¯t the only ones who saw it. Sir, you can ask around the area for more witnesses. ¡°Besides, didn¡¯t that old man claim that his leg was broken?¡± Wei Qing¡¯s voice grew firm. ¡°Wei Hong is willing to pay for a doctor to examine him. Let¡¯s see if his leg is truly injured. If not, wouldn¡¯t that mean he is slandering an innocent man?¡± The crowd nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s an easy solution.¡± ¡°Right, right, just get someone to check it out and we¡¯ll know.¡± ¡°Bring a doctor and everything will be clear.¡± ¡°I see the old man moving around quite lively; it doesn¡¯t look like his leg is broken.¡± The officer, convinced, turned to the old man. ¡°Elder, what do you think? Now that someone is willing to pay for a doctor. ¡°If it¡¯s as you say, this Ming merchant will compensate and apologize. But if you slandered him, I will have to take you to the yamen for a few days.¡± Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the old man¡¯s expression changed. He hesitated, his discomfort obvious. The murmurs intensified. ¡°The old man¡¯s face doesn¡¯t look right.¡± At that moment¡­ ¡°Sir, I was just eating in the tavern and saw that it was the old man himself who had fallen to the ground.¡± A burly man stepped forward, his deep voice commanding attention. The crowd gasped in recognition. ¡°It¡¯s General Heichi Changzhi!¡± ¡°The same General Heichi Changzhi who defeated the Qing Dynasty!¡± ¡°With General Heichi here, the truth will come out!¡± ¡°Yes, General Heichi would never slander anyone!¡± As a renowned general of the Great Zhou, Heichi Changzhi¡¯s integrity and achievements were well known. Many of the city¡¯s residents had witnessed his triumphant return. Recognizing him now, they trusted that he would speak only the truth. The officer quickly greeted him, ¡°Greetings, General Heichi.¡± General Heichi waved a hand, his expression amiable. ¡°Everyone has their duties; this is your jurisdiction. You make the judgment.¡± The officer nodded before turning back to the old man, his expression stern. ¡°Well, several witnesses have seen you fall alone. I will call a doctor to examine your injuries. If you¡ª¡± Before he could finish, the old man¡¯s face turned ashen. He dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. ¡°Spare me, sir! I was just a little greedy. I owe a lot of money from my business in the Song Kingdom, and that¡¯s why I had the evil idea to slander this young man. Please spare me!¡± The crowd erupted in shock. ¡°You deceived us?!¡± ¡°Yes, this old man played on our sympathy and almost slandered this gentleman!¡± ¡°Scoundrel! That old man is truly despicable!¡± ¡°How shameless!¡± A booming voice interrupted, dripping with disdain. ¡°Despicable old man from the Song Dynasty, how dare you deceive me, Xu Zhu¡­ no, Xu Wei! What a scoundrel!¡± ¡°I was also tricked by someone from the Song Dynasty recently. Are all Song people so shameless?¡± His words immediately sparked more outrage. ¡°Yes, yes, I was also tricked by someone from the Song Dynasty¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Song people are just that shameless. Let me tell you, I was cheated by a Song merchant last year!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get me started. Do you know how bad it was for me? My wife ran off with a Song man!¡± ¡°Song people are sneaky; they like to cheat in business. They¡¯re just scoundrels!¡± The crowd¡¯s anger swelled, directed at the old man and, by extension, the Song Dynasty. In the distance, a young man stood by a window, quietly observing the scene with a faint smile. The burly man from earlier sidled up to him, fawning. ¡°Prime Minister, how did I do just now?¡± Yang Yi glanced at Xu Zhu with a sigh. ¡°Your performance was too exaggerated, not as good as Wei Qing¡¯s.¡± Xu Zhu¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Not as good as him?¡± Yang Yi glared. ¡°You almost blurted out your real name.¡± Xu Zhu chuckled sheepishly. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Three days later, the incident was reported in the , subtly prompted by Yang Yi. The phrase ¡°¡± spread across the country, becoming widely known. The old man¡¯s identity as a Song merchant from Bianjing was revealed, and the term ¡°¡± began to carry a certain stigma. Chapter 132 Chapter 132 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. ¡­ Ming Dynasty ¡°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. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°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.¡± ¡­ Tang Dynasty ¡°. 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. ¡­ Qin Dynasty ¡°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. ¡­ Zhou Dynasty ¡°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¡ªnot 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?¡± Chapter 133 Chapter 133 ¡°You know, the incident of ¡®If you didn¡¯t knock him down, why did you help him?¡¯ hasn¡¯t passed yet¡­¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er nodded, her gaze fixed on Yang Yi with growing curiosity. Yang Yi smiled faintly, but the calmness in his eyes was unnerving, almost glacial. ¡°Precisely because of this, it will make the nobility of the donors stand out even more. When the critical moment comes to save a life, would you ignore it just because the person is a resident of Song? I believe that truly kind-hearted people wouldn¡¯t refuse to donate just because the recipient is from Song.¡± His voice carried an icy conviction. ¡°And at this time, we are arranging for people to subtly guide public opinion¡­ promoting the theme of ¡®Life transcends nationality¡¯ alongside ¡®We can¡¯t condemn all pople of Song for the actions of one morally corrupt individual.¡¯ ¡°In this way, the people of Song who were humiliated by the question, ¡®¡¯ will come forward to donate to this couple, eager to prove that not all people from Song are heartless or unkind. ¡°Kind-hearted individuals from across the world will step forward as well! And those who are hesitant but possess a flicker of compassion will be swayed by the ¡®Life transcends nationality¡¯ trend, encouraging them to contribute too. ¡°Thus, under the influence of carefully orchestrated public opinion, this couple will garner the attention of countless people. With such widespread attention, they¡¯ll receive a massive wave of donations!¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened as he added, ¡°The will publish the amount of donations they receive, updating it in every issue, and even listing the countries from which the donors hail.¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er pursed her lips, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. ¡°Prime Minister, why are you doing this?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned enigmatic. ¡°This couple will draw the sympathy of countless kind-hearted individuals. But how do we give these donors a sense of accomplishment? ¡°The simplest method is to publish the total amount donated by people from different countries, updating it in every issue. This way, donors will see that their contributions are being used to save this couple, giving them a profound sense of participation. ¡°The more involved they feel, the more likely they are to transcend national boundaries to help this couple¡­ and when betrayal comes to light, the flames of hatred will burn even brighter!¡± The hall fell into a heavy silence. Shangguan Wan¡¯er and Wu Zhao stared at Yang Yi in stunned disbelief, their faces pale and their mouths agape. A chill seemed to creep into the warm room, making their hair stand on end. Wu Zhao shivered involuntarily, taking a deep breath as she locked eyes with Yang Yi. ¡°What do you mean¡­ betrayal?¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver, her expression taut with tension. Meeting their incredulous looks, Yang Yi¡¯s smile remained steady, his tone chillingly calm. ¡°When this couple garners the sympathy of the world, and even after their identity as residents of Song is revealed, they still receive an overwhelming amount of donations¡­ ¡°When everyone¡¯s goodwill and attention reach their peak. Suddenly, it will be revealed that the couple fabricated everything. Their child was never ill. They used the donated money to purchase vast estates, extravagant mansions, countless servants, and live lives of hedonistic luxury. Now, tell me¡ªhow will people from different countries react?¡± The hall seemed to plunge into an abyss of stillness. Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan¡¯er were too stunned to speak, their lips slightly parted in disbelief. Even in the warmth of the hall, a bone-deep chill crept over them, making their scalps tingle. ¡°This scheme¡­ it¡¯s truly diabolical,¡± Shangguan Wan¡¯er muttered, her voice barely audible. Yang Yi¡¯s calm gaze held steady as he explained, ¡°This plan manipulates the compassion of humanity, elevating kindness to its zenith. ¡°Even after knowing this couple hails from Song, people will donate, driven by their love for life. At that moment, human kindness and morality will shine at their brightest. ¡°When Song people step forward to help their compatriots, they will briefly redeem themselves in the eyes of the world. And when people of all nations join forces to help the couple, transcending nationality and enmity, it will represent the pinnacle of humanity¡¯s brilliance. ¡°But just as their goodwill reaches its peak¡­ They will learn the truth. This couple they helped out of compassion was nothing but fraudsters. Their noble act of kindness will be met with betrayal.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s eyes narrowed, his tone sharpening. ¡°In that instant, all the goodwill raised to its highest will transform into boundless fury, directed at the couple. And their identity as Song people will once again nail the region to the pillar of shame! ¡°¡®If you didn¡¯t knock him down, why did you help him?¡¯¡ªpeople of Song! ¡°¡®Donation fraud¡¯¡ªstill Song people! ¡°No matter how many kind-hearted individuals reside in Song, they will be buried beneath a tidal wave of condemnation. Once more, the people of Song will become the targets of global wrath. Scorned, ridiculed, and despised, their reputation will plunge further into disgrace.¡± The air in the hall felt heavier than ever. Shangguan Wan¡¯er¡¯s admiration for Yang Yi deepened, though it mingled with an unsettling chill. ¡°Prime Minister Yang, this strategy is a psychological attack. From now on, even the most refined individuals will view the people of Song with disdain.¡± Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wu Zhao¡¯s complex gaze lingered on Yang Yi, her heart trembling at the sheer ruthlessness of his plan. She knew Yang Yi¡¯s methods were calculated and brutal. Some strategies claimed countless lives; others destroyed reputations without shedding blood. But this scheme¡­ This scheme sought to obliterate the faith of an entire people, branding them forever as outcasts in the eyes of the world. Wu Zhao couldn¡¯t help but wonder: had Yang Yi devised such a cruel plan out of vengeance? Had the slander against her by the Song people prompted him to exact revenge on their entire region? A strange softness crept into her gaze as she studied him, a trace of trust blooming in her heart. Yang Yi, oblivious to her thoughts, remained focused on the strategy, his mind devoid of unnecessary musings. Chapter 134 - VIP5 Chapter 134: Destroying the Morality of the Song People! Two days later, on the bustling streets of Luoyang. ¡°Hey, that old man who was extorting people here the other day was terrible.¡± ¡°Yes, shameless! If someone hadn¡¯t intervened, and if our Great Zhou officials hadn¡¯t stepped in, that young man would have been in real trouble.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the people of Song to be so despicable.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t generalize. One bad apple doesn¡¯t spoil the whole bunch.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, I suppose.¡± Passersby continued discussing the recent ¡°¡®If you didn¡¯t knock him down, why did you help him?¡± incident. The scandal had stirred public opinion, and stories like this were a rarity, drawing widespread attention. While the murmurs persisted, a commotion broke out nearby. Curious onlookers hurried toward the source, eager to uncover what was happening. At the corner of the street, a crowd had already formed, encircling a kneeling couple. The man and woman wore simple, patched clothes, their appearance revealing dire poverty. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you kneeling?¡± someone in the crowd asked. The man raised his head, his expression forlorn. ¡°Let me tell you, my wife and I had a son late in life, but he¡¯s gravely ill with tuberculosis. He¡¯s only six years old. We¡¯ve traveled far and wide seeking treatment, but curing tuberculosis isn¡¯t easy. Even the best doctors can only keep his life hanging by a thread. ¡°But the treatment is too expensive. We¡¯re just farmers, relying on the land to survive. How could we afford it?¡± His voice broke as he continued, ¡°If we don¡¯t find the money soon, our poor child will die¡­ ¡°We wouldn¡¯t dare kneel on the street like this unless we were truly at our wits¡¯ end. Please, kind-hearted people, help us. Our child is only six years old¡­¡± He lowered his head, his voice trembling. ¡°We¡¯re even willing to work as servants to repay your kindness!¡± His desperate plea drew a heavy silence from the crowd, and sympathetic murmurs rippled through the gathering. ¡°Tuberculosis? That¡¯s a serious illness,¡± someone muttered, their tone filled with sorrow. Suddenly, the woman coughed violently, covering her mouth. When she pulled her hand away, it was stained with bright red blood. Gasps filled the air. ¡°Your wife is sick too!¡± a concerned bystander exclaimed. ¡°You should take her to a doctor immediately!¡± The man offered a bitter smile. ¡°We¡¯ve been working day and night to save money for our child¡¯s treatment. Our health has deteriorated, but we can¡¯t spare even a single coin for ourselves. ¡°Whatever money we manage to save must go toward keeping our son alive¡­¡± His words cast a somber pall over the crowd. ¡°That¡¯s heartbreaking¡­¡± someone whispered. Moved by the scene, a young man stepped forward. ¡°This won¡¯t do. If something happens to you and your wife, what will become of your child?¡± sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small pouch of silver coins. ¡°I¡¯m not rich, but I can spare twenty taels. Take it and get your wife to a doctor.¡± The man froze, his eyes reddening. ¡°Thank you, brother. Thank you so much!¡± He accepted the money with trembling hands, then turned to his wife. ¡°Xiuer, we¡¯re going to the doctor right now. You¡¯ve been coughing blood for days!¡± But the woman shook her head stubbornly. ¡°No! That money is for our child¡¯s treatment. I¡¯ll endure it as long as he survives!¡± Her resolute words stirred a wave of pity among the onlookers. ¡°This is too tragic¡­¡± someone murmured. A burly man pushed his way through the crowd. ¡°How can you give up like this?¡± he said, his voice full of determination. ¡°I¡¯ve got some silver too. It¡¯s not much, but I can¡¯t just stand by and watch this. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll help you, and I¡¯ll see if I can borrow more later!¡± The crowd cheered in agreement. Encouraged, another bystander stepped forward. ¡°You¡¯re in Luoyang now. We can¡¯t let you suffer here. This city is known for its generosity and heroes!¡± ¡°I have twenty taels as well. Take it!¡± The man and woman kowtowed, their foreheads nearly bruising the ground. ¡°Thank you, thank you!¡± they cried. At that moment, a booming voice cut through the commotion. ¡°Where are you from? If you¡¯re from Zhou, I¡¯ll take you to the Yamen to seek help from the officials. They¡¯ll raise funds for you!¡± The man quickly answered, ¡°My wife and I¡­ we¡¯re from Song.¡± The crowd fell silent. Uneasy whispers spread. The recent scandal involving a Song man¡¯s extortion was still fresh in everyone¡¯s minds. ¡°If I¡¯d known they were from Song¡­¡± one person muttered, hesitating. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have given them money,¡± another admitted. The couple bowed their heads, their postures humble and pitiful. ¡°So what if they¡¯re from Song?¡± the booming voice interrupted. ¡°Song people are still human! Are you really going to judge them by one bad man¡¯s actions? ¡°Is this all the generosity Luoyang¡¯s men have?¡± Shame washed over the crowd, and a few people hung their heads. At that moment, a refined man in scholarly robes stepped forward. ¡°I work for . If you allow us to publish your story, it could attract more attention. We could raise funds more effectively.¡± The crowd murmured in agreement. ¡°Yes! If takes this up, it¡¯ll be much easier to gather support.¡± ¡°Quick, agree to it!¡± someone urged. The couple hesitated before bowing deeply. ¡°Thank you, sir! Thank you for your kindness!¡± As hope ignited among the bystanders, they smiled, their spirits lifted. They felt they had done a good deed. Chapter 135 Chapter 135: A few days later, the new issue of hit the streets, instantly becoming the talk of the town. The tragic tale of the impoverished Song couple had been artfully embellished, tugging at the heartstrings of readers and moving many to tears. In Luoyang, donations poured in fervently. Under Yang Yi¡¯s subtle manipulation, the charitable cause gained rapid traction, spreading beyond the city and into neighboring nations within half a month. Though the couple¡¯s Song origins sparked occasional murmurs of controversy, the overarching theme of ¡°righteousness¡± overshadowed any dissent. ¡­ Tang Dynasty ¨C Taiji Hall In the grand Taiji Hall, Emperor Li Shimin sat with a thoughtful expression, leaning back in his chair. A select group of trusted ministers stood before him. ¡°Since the Crown Prince returned from the Zhou Dynasty, he seems to have quieted down significantly,¡± Li Shimin remarked suddenly, his tone laced with curiosity. The ministers exchanged knowing glances. Li Chengqian¡¯s temperament was no secret, but it was not their place to comment openly. Changsun Wuji responded quickly, ¡°Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is still in his teens. Perhaps he has reflected on your burdens and undergone a change of heart.¡± Li Shimin¡¯s gaze remained skeptical. ¡°That may be so, but I¡¯ve heard that while in the Zhou Dynasty, he spent considerable time with Yang Yi. Didn¡¯t Yang Yi even mobilize a troop disguised as Turks for his amusement? What is his aim?¡± Silence filled the hall. Gao Shilian ventured cautiously, ¡°Perhaps Yang Yi was merely extending goodwill towards our Tang Dynasty¡­¡± Li Shimin stroked his beard, his brows furrowed. A flicker of suspicion danced in his narrow eyes. ¡°Yang Yi is not one to act without purpose. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but the reputation of the Great Zhou¡¯s Poison Master is hard to ignore.¡± The ministers exchanged uneasy smiles. Yang Yi¡¯s notoriety preceded him, and his vengeful nature was infamous. Fang Xuanling folded his hands respectfully. ¡°Your Majesty, regardless of Yang Yi¡¯s intentions, the Crown Prince¡¯s newfound composure is a positive development.¡± Li Shimin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°You are correct. Perhaps I am worrying unnecessarily.¡± A sudden smile broke across his face. ¡°Interestingly, the Song people have been spreading malicious rumors about the Zhou Empress and Yang Yi. Yang Yi, known for his ruthless retaliation, seems unusually restrained this time. Why has he not struck back?¡± Changsun Wuji chuckled. ¡°It does appear that Yang Yi has been quiet lately. Perhaps he has no recourse.¡± ¡°I heard the latest issue of caused a stir with its fundraising campaign for a Song couple,¡± Li Shimin remarked. ¡°Given the recent scam involving a Song man in Luoyang, it¡¯s surprising that they are now raising money for Song people again.¡± Changsun Wuji nodded with a faint smile. ¡°Indeed, Your Majesty. Despite the past incident, many Tang citizens have contributed to the fundraiser. It seems Yang Yi¡¯s weapon of choice¡ª¡ªis being used for philanthropy rather than vengeance this time.¡± Li Shimin stroked his chin, pondering. ¡°When Yang Yi first established this newspaper, he used it masterfully to manipulate public opinion and discredit Qianlong. Now, faced with slander himself, he appears powerless. How ironic.¡± The ministers smiled in agreement, appreciating the poetic justice. ¡­ Half a Month Later ¨C Great Zhou, Luoyang At the headquarters, Yang Yi listened as a staff member respectfully delivered a report. ¡°According to our records, the couple has collected nearly one million taels in donations¡­¡± Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°One million taels?¡± A sly smile spread across his face. ¡°Good. In the next issue, dedicate the largest space to that figure. I want every citizen to marvel at it. Include articles detailing how the funds will be used to treat the couple¡¯s child. Let everyone see their donations supporting a righteous cause.¡± The member nodded. ¡°And the expos¨¦ article?¡± Yang Yi waved dismissively. ¡°You handle it. Ensure it¡¯s ready for publication after the next issue.¡± The staff member bowed and left. Wu Mingyue, who had been listening, couldn¡¯t contain herself any longer. ¡°You knew they were frauds, yet you¡¯re still promoting the donations. Why wait to expose them?¡± Yang Yi smiled, his tone patient. ¡°Your Highness, do you recall the amount announced in the previous issue?¡± ¡°Over 800,000 taels,¡± Wu Mingyue replied. ¡°Precisely. But tell me, which is more memorable: ¡®over 800,000¡¯ or ¡®one million¡¯?¡± ¡°One million,¡± she admitted. ¡°Exactly,¡± Yang Yi said, his eyes gleaming. ¡°When the fraud is revealed, one million will resonate far more powerfully with the public. It will ignite their anger and ensure this scandal remains unforgettable.¡± Wu Mingyue sighed. ¡°It¡¯s tragic that all this money will be wasted on fraudsters.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Not entirely. Most of the money is still in my possession.¡± ¡°What?¡± Wu Mingyue¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Why is it with you?¡± Yang Yi cleared his throat. ¡°Because I arranged for the couple to play this role.¡± Her jaw dropped. ¡°You¡­ What?¡± Yang Yi calmly explained the intricacies of his plan. When he finished, Wu Mingyue sat frozen, her eyes wide and her expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. ¡°Your plan is¡­ ruthless,¡± she whispered, a shiver running down her spine. Yang Yi chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°A living Yama indeed,¡± she muttered, shaking her head in astonishment. Chapter 136 Chapter 136: The People of Song Nailed to the Pillar of Shame! Two days later, a new edition of the was published. Luoyang.¡° , now they don¡¯t have to worry anymore. With a full million taels, they can surely cure their illness.¡± ¡°Heh heh, I was one of those who helped them!¡± ¡°Haha, me too! Seeing them healthy now makes us happy.¡± ¡°Indeed, indeed, there are still many good people in this world.¡± Citizens in Luoyang gathered in groups, holding copies of the newspaper, their eyes fixed on the striking headline: ¡°One Million Taels.¡± Though the money didn¡¯t come directly from their own pockets, knowing they had contributed to the couple¡¯s survival filled their hearts with pride and satisfaction. A few days passed, and the story gained traction in other countries. Subtle yet deliberate efforts helped spread the news of the terminally ill couple raising one million taels. Soon, branches of the across different nations amplified the story, making it a sensation. Even those who were initially unaware of the situation were drawn in by the dramatic headline and quickly learned the details. ¡­Great Qin ¡°Now this couple doesn¡¯t have to worry anymore. Back then, I even sent ten taels to the Zhou Dynasty¡¯s newspaper office.¡± ¡°This is truly touching. I never expected so many people to step forward and help this couple from the Song Dynasty.¡± ¡°Exactly! We should also thank the people who first stepped in to help.¡± ¡°I believe the greatest thanks should go to . Without their effort, the funds wouldn¡¯t have been raised so easily.¡± ¡°Regardless, it¡¯s good to see them getting the help they need.¡± In Great Qin, many citizens were engrossed in the story, discussing it passionately as they read their newspapers. ..Great Ming ¡°Although the Song people have offended us before, we Ming people know how to distinguish right from wrong.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. It was that old Song man who caused trouble before, but this couple is innocent. Now that they¡¯ve been saved, we can¡¯t help but feel happy for them.¡± ¡°Exactly. Not all Song people are bad; some are simply unfortunate.¡± On the streets, conversations about the couple¡¯s survival were on everyone¡¯s lips. Many compared this case with the deceptive actions of the old man from before. This time, the Ming people took pride in having contributed generously. ¡­ Three days later, the story continued to ferment. People in neighboring countries like Tang and Han also expressed happiness for the couple. It seemed the matter had reached a perfect conclusion. ¡­The Next Day In Luoyang, a paperboy ran through the streets, shouting loudly: ¡°Extra, extra¡­ Special edition! An insider reveals the terminally ill couple¡¯s donations were a scam!¡± The shocking combination of the words ¡°terminally ill couple¡± and ¡°scam¡± instantly grabbed the attention of everyone nearby. ¡°Give me a copy!¡± ¡°Hey, kid, don¡¯t leave! I want one too!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take two!¡± The newspapers were snatched up in no time, and those who secured a copy eagerly read through the shocking revelation. ¡­ Expressions darkened as readers scanned the details. Suddenly, curses erupted. ¡°Scoundrels! Absolute scoundrels! This couple actually cheated us!¡± ¡°They took our money to buy land and houses in the Song Dynasty, indulging in luxury while their child was never even sick!¡± Angry onlookers joined in. ¡°Despicable! A whole million taels ended up in the hands of such people?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just the money¡ªit¡¯s everyone¡¯s goodwill that they wasted. They¡¯re beasts!¡± ¡°Song people really can¡¯t be trusted!¡± The entire street buzzed with fury. Even passersby who hadn¡¯t read the paper yet were drawn into the outrage. By midday, the news had spread like wildfire across Luoyang. The term ¡°Song people¡± became a target of public anger, and many innocent Song citizens were unfairly implicated in the scandal. ¡­Great Ming ¡°We¡¯ve been deceived! These Song people really cannot be trusted!¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s infuriating! I donated my savings, only for them to squander it!¡± ¡°Damn it, Song people are nothing but swindlers. Never trust them again!¡± Ming citizens gathered in groups, venting their anger. What they had once viewed as magnanimity now felt like foolishness. ¡­Great Qin ¡°Hiss! No wonder the Song Dynasty is so wealthy¡ªit¡¯s all based on fraud!¡± ¡°Exactly. Disgusting! They¡¯re nothing but cheats.¡± ¡°Ah, such a waste of our goodwill and money.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t have any dealings with Song people from now on.¡± Great Qin citizens echoed similar sentiments, their disillusionment palpable. The scandal had left an indelible stain on the Song people¡¯s reputation. ¡­Great Han ¡°Hey, have you heard? They say the Song people got rich by cheating others!¡± ¡°Of course! Who hasn¡¯t heard about this charity scam by now?¡± ¡°Unbelievable. From now on, we must avoid them.¡± ¡°Indeed. Song people are just too shameless!¡± The citizens of Great Han, though less directly involved, expressed shock and disdain. The scandal had crossed borders, tainting the Song name everywhere. ¡­ Ten Days Later The uproar showed no signs of abating. Instead, it grew more intense. The Song people were now at the center of public outrage. ¡­ Great Song ¨C Bianjing ¡°Your Majesty, Your Majesty¡­ something has happened!¡± An elderly man with gray hair and a bright red official robe hurried into the hall. Zhao Ji, who had been painting, looked up in surprise. Minister Cai Jing had never interrupted his artistic pursuits before. For him to do so now, the situation must be dire. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Putting down his brush, Zhao Ji frowned. ¡°Minister Cai, what is it?¡± Cai Jing took a deep breath, his expression unreadable. Chapter 137 Chapter 137: [Great Song]. ¡°Your Majesty, it seems that various countries are becoming increasingly hostile toward our Great Song,¡± an official reported solemnly. ¡°While the court¡¯s negotiations with other nations remain manageable, the livelihoods of ordinary citizens have taken a sharp hit. Particularly in Great Ming, where merchants are boycotting our goods. Many of our traders are on the brink of bankruptcy. ¡°Numerous businesses have inexplicably shut down. It seems people would rather trade with other countries than with our Song merchants.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s eyebrows twitched, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief. ¡°What is going on?¡± Cai Jing hesitated briefly before speaking cautiously. ¡°In my humble opinion, it likely stems from certain recent incidents that have shocked the surrounding nations.¡± Zhao Ji frowned deeply. ¡°Notorious incidents? Explain.¡± He had been so preoccupied with his painting that domestic and international affairs had become distant concerns. Cai Jing stroked his beard, recounting the ¡°¡± scandal and the ¡°¡± in painstaking detail, sparing no nuance. Zhao Ji sat stunned, his expression darkening with every word. The sheer absurdity of it all made his temples throb. ¡°These incidents are undeniably disgraceful, but surely they don¡¯t warrant such universal condemnation?¡± Cai Jing¡¯s tone turned grave. ¡°Your Majesty, these events were publicized by the . Their accounts have already spread far and wide. Without their embellishments, the situation wouldn¡¯t have escalated to this point.¡± Hearing this, Zhao Ji¡¯s fury erupted. ¡°So, it¡¯s the Zhou Dynasty stirring trouble! Those Zhou people want to roast our Great Song on a spit!¡± Though still somewhat confused, Zhao Ji was no fool. He quickly pieced together the malicious intent behind the Zhou¡¯s actions. In this era, news traveled slowly. Without the Zhou¡¯s deliberate incitement, a nationwide boycott would have been impossible. Cai Jing stroked his beard again, his voice low and deliberate. ¡°Your Majesty, both scandals involved Song people and took place in Luoyang. There¡¯s something suspicious about this. I had our people investigate the individuals involved¡ªthe couple and the old swindler. ¡°It turns out they are indeed Song citizens, but they vanished without a trace shortly after the incidents. I suspect they were bribed by the Zhou Dynasty to frame our Great Song.¡± Zhao Ji¡¯s eyes lit with sudden realization. The coincidences were too glaring. Every incident targeted Song citizens in Luoyang, only to be reported with zeal by the . This was a calculated trap. The veins on Zhao Ji¡¯s forehead bulged as his anger reached its peak. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Zhou people are despicable.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± A sharp thought struck Zhao Ji. His tone turned icy. ¡°Could this be Yang Yi¡¯s doing? ¡°It must be him. Who else could devise such an insidious plan? This man is retaliating against us for accusing him of scandalous behavior with the Empress!¡± Zhao Ji slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed with rage. ¡°This Yang Yi has insulted our Great Song time and again¡ªkilling our people, cheating us out of money, and now making us the target of global ridicule! Does he think I¡¯ll stand for this? ¡°I will make him pay! I will send troops¡ªI want him dead!¡± ¡­ [Great Tang]. In the majestic Taiji Palace, Changsun Wuji hurried into the hall, his expression urgent. ¡°Your Majesty, Your Majesty,¡± he called, clutching a newspaper in his hand. ¡°The Song people¡¯s scandal has erupted into chaos.¡± Li Shimin looked up, puzzled. ¡°The Song people?¡± Taking the newspaper, he scanned its contents¡ªand froze. His exclamation filled the hall. ¡°Donation fraud?¡± The ministers, including Fang Xuanling, exchanged bewildered looks. Changsun Wuji recounted the entire debacle, from the initial scandals to the damning reports in the . His voice carried a sense of unease as he concluded, ¡°Your Majesty, these incidents are no coincidence. They seem orchestrated.¡± The hall fell silent as everyone processed the implication. Fang Xuanling¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Minister Wuji, are you suggesting Yang Yi is behind this?¡± Changsun Wuji¡¯s eyes glinted with shrewd calculation. ¡°It¡¯s highly likely. Yang Yi is renowned for his cunning and vengeful nature. He wouldn¡¯t let the Song people¡¯s slander pass without retaliation. ¡°These incidents, engineered to expose the Song people¡¯s corruption, are classic Yang Yi¡ªmalicious yet devastatingly effective. By exploiting goodwill to extort money and twisting kindness into a tool for deceit, he¡¯s ensured that the Song people¡¯s reputation is utterly ruined.¡± The ministers shuddered, nodding in grim agreement. Li Shimin exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing. ¡°It does seem like his handiwork. No¡ªI¡¯m certain it¡¯s him. This kind of ruthless strategy not only retaliates against the Song but strikes at their very identity. ¡°The Song people defamed him and the Empress, and now he has orchestrated their public disgrace. His plan is simple, yet its impact is devastating. From now on, the Song people will struggle to lift their heads in international circles. ¡°This is vengeance of the highest order¡ªswift, calculated, and utterly unrelenting.¡± The hall remained silent as Li Shimin¡¯s words sank in. They had initially mocked Yang Yi for falling victim to his own schemes, but they never anticipated his retaliation to be so swift and ruthless The chilling precision of his actions left them shaken. This man was no ordinary strategist. For years to come, the Song people would remain outcasts in the region¡ªa testament to the venomous brilliance of Yang Yi¡¯s schemes. Chapter 138 Chapter 138: Great Zhou¡¯s Power Surges! A New Challenge Great Zhou¡ªLuoyang¡ªQianyuan Hall ¡°Your Majesty, the effects of these two plots are now very apparent. People from various countries are beginning to resent the Song people,¡± Yang Yi said with a faint smile. ¡°In Luoyang, many citizens are gathering to discuss these matters. The reputation of the Song people is plummeting.¡± The surrounding Great Zhou ministers gasped in shock and stared at Yang Yi in disbelief. It was him. Yang Yi had orchestrated all of this! No wonder the schemes were so ruthless. Now it all made sense. Wu Zhao was momentarily speechless. She hadn¡¯t anticipated such swift and effective results, but it was undeniably satisfying. How dare those Song people slander her back then? To see them so ruthlessly retaliated against by Yang Yi, using the same methods, was truly exhilarating. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, eyeing Yang Yi with a complex expression. ¡°Prime Minister, your methods are truly¡­ astonishing.¡± Wei Yuanzhong, Zhang Jianzhi, and the others nodded in agreement, still stunned. That single sentence¡ª¡±If you didn¡¯t knock him down, why did you help him?¡±¡ªhad nailed the Song people to the pillar of shame. Only someone as merciless and cunning as Yang Yi could conceive such a plan. Yang Yi smiled slightly, brushing off Xu Jingzong¡¯s praise. ¡°If people respect me a foot, I will respect them a yard. But the people of the Song Dynasty dared to slander Her Majesty the Empress of Great Zhou, clearly showing their lack of respect for us. ¡°So I devised a small plan to teach the Song people a lesson.¡± The ministers exchanged glances, silently astonished. A small plan? This ¡°small plan¡± had practically roasted the Song people over a fire. The massive scandal had left a lasting impact, ensuring the Song people would be stigmatized for years to come. As they silently cursed Yang Yi¡¯s cunning, apalace maid entered and whispered to Wu Zhao. The empress¡¯s phoenix-like eyebrows rose, her expression faintly amused yet cold. She swept her gaze across the court, pausing briefly on Yang Yi. ¡°The Emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Ji, seems very displeased with our Great Zhou¡ªparticularly with Minister Yang. His resentment runs deep. Zhao Ji has issued an edict commanding Tong Guan to lead troops north to attack our Great Zhou.¡± Her gaze sharpened. ¡°Additionally, Zhao Ji has offered a reward: ten thousand gold pieces and the title of founding count of the county to anyone who brings back Yang Qing¡¯s head.¡± The Song Dynasty lies south of the Zhou Dynasty, situated between the Liao and Jin regions, giving it a strategically unique geographical position. With Great Zhou directly to its north, the two nations are close neighbors The court fell silent. The empress¡¯s words echoed in the hall as the ministers exchanged shocked glances. The Song Dynasty wanted to attack Great Zhou? And they wanted Yang Yi¡¯s head? Many instinctively turned toward him. Yang Yi blinked, momentarily speechless. After a moment, Xu Jingzong chuckled. ¡°Minister Yang, who would have thought you¡¯d become so valuable?¡± Yang Yi sighed. ¡°Zhao Ji is really willing to spend money on me.¡± He smirked. ¡°As the saying goes, someone who spends money on you must love you¡­ So why is it that, in my case, it¡¯s always people who hate me to the core?¡± The hall burst into laughter. Yang Yi¡¯s wry humor lightened the tension, even as the absurdity of the situation lingered. Wu Zhao¡¯s rosy lips twitched, a smile playing on her face. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a tinge of amusement. Times had truly changed. When the court first faced the threat of the Qing Dynasty¡¯s invasion, fear and hesitation had gripped the ministers. Even the most courageous generals, those who dared to advocate for resistance, had viewed it as a battle they could not win¡ªready to lay down their lives with the country. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But now, upon hearing of the Song Dynasty¡¯s impending invasion, there wasn¡¯t a hint of fear among her ministers. Confidence radiated in their expressions, a testament to Great Zhou¡¯s newfound strength and resilience. Great Zhou was no longer the weak and vulnerable nation it had once been. Its transformation was largely due to one man¡ªthe number one poison master of Great Zhou. Wu Zhao felt a surge of complex emotions but maintained her calm, regal composure. ¡°The Song Dynasty has sent three hundred thousand troops to wage war against Great Zhou. What are your thoughts, my ministers?¡± The ministers straightened, their voices ringing out in unison. ¡°We demand to fight!¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s hands rested firmly on the arms of the dragon throne as she sat upright, her presence commanding. Her dark eyes burned with resolve as she gave the order. ¡°Heichi Changzhi, Wei Qing, Xu Chu¡ªstep forward.¡± The three generals stepped forward, bowing deeply. ¡°At your service!¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s voice was calm but firm. ¡°I am assigning three hundred thousand troops to you. Heichi Changzhi will serve as commander, with Wei Qing and Xu Chu as deputy commanders. Confront Tong Guan and show him the might of Great Zhou!¡± ¡­News of the Conflict Spreads Across Nations Ming Dynasty ¡°They¡¯re going to fight?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Why is this happening?¡± Zhu Biao stepped forward, a wry smile on his face. ¡°Father, I think I know why.¡± He recounted the recent events in detail. Zhu Yuanzhang¡¯s expression darkened as the truth sank in. ¡°So that¡¯s it¡­ This is Yang Yi¡¯s retaliation.¡± He chuckled bitterly. ¡°No wonder Zhao Ji is so furious. But this is classic Yang Yi¡ªhe never allows himself to be wronged without striking back.¡± His gaze hardened. ¡°Those vicious schemes¡­ They¡¯re utterly cruel, yet terrifyingly effective. His tactics grow more ruthless with each passing day.¡± Zhu Biao nodded, his unease evident. ¡°Yang Yi¡¯s mind is unmatched. Anyone who provokes him ends up facing a response that¡¯s many times more devastating. This time, he¡¯s dragged the entire Song nation into disgrace.s ¡°Father, who do you think will win this war?¡± Zhu Yuanzhang didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Biao¡¯er, there¡¯s no question. The Song Dynasty, despite its wealth and advanced equipment, has always struggled against its neighbors. Great Zhou, however, defeated the Qing Dynasty. Zhao Ji¡¯s forces don¡¯t stand a chance.¡± ¡­ Tang Dynasty¡ªTaiji Temple ¡°Zhao Ji must be consumed by anger to resort to war,¡± Li Shimin mused, his lips curling into a faint smile. ¡°We might as well prepare to celebrate Great Zhou¡¯s victory in advance.¡± Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling exchanged wry smiles. The emperor¡¯s confidence in Great Zhou¡¯s strength was evident. ¡­ Qin Dynasty ¡°Great Zhou has been involved in many wars recently,¡± Ying Zheng remarked, his tone contemplative. Li Si stepped forward respectfully. ¡°Your Majesty, although the Song Dynasty is no match for Great Zhou, their attack could weaken Great Zhou¡¯s strength. If left unchecked, Great Zhou¡¯s rise could threaten our position in the region.¡± Chapter 139 Chapter 139: Annexing Half of the Song Dynasty! Qin Dynasty ¡ª Xianyang, Taiji Hall Ying Zheng sat upright on his throne, his expression calm. ¡°Oh, really? Why do I feel that this war is an opportunity for Great Zhou to train its troops?¡± Li Si hesitated, unsure how to respond. Ying Zheng continued, his tone measured. ¡°Before their war with the Qing Dynasty, Great Zhou¡¯s military strength was unimpressive. Most of their soldiers were raw recruits. But now, those same troops display sharpness, discipline, and the confidence of a battle-hardened army.¡± Li Si¡¯s face stiffened. Ying Zheng¡¯s piercing analysis had effectively dismissed his earlier concerns. A thoughtful gleam appeared in Ying Zheng¡¯s eyes as he shifted the conversation. ¡°Summon Wang Jian. We must deal with Baiyue swiftly. As Great Zhou grows stronger, they will inevitably influence the world. We cannot afford to leave potential threats unchecked near our borders.¡± ¡­ Song Dynasty ¡ª Military Encampment Ten days later, the Song army reached the border of Great Zhou. A soldier approached a large command tent, saluted, and reported, ¡°General, the Great Zhou border is just ahead.¡± Inside, Tong Guan, the newly appointed Chief Marshal of the Song Dynasty, sat reviewing a military manual. Dressed in a gray brocade robe and golden crown, his sharp gaze and meticulously groomed appearance exuded authority. Without looking up, he dismissed the soldier with a wave. ¡°Set up camp here,¡± he instructed his guards after a moment¡¯s thought. By nightfall, the Song army settled into their positions. Inside the command tent, Tong Guan stood before a map, confidently outlining his strategies to the gathered officers. Despite being a eunuch, his military power and the emperor¡¯s favor made him one of the most influential figures in the Song Dynasty. His tone brimmed with confidence. ¡°Gentlemen, Great Zhou¡¯s success against the Qing Dynasty was sheer luck. Without the smallpox outbreak, their so-called victory would have been impossible.¡± He paused, his lips curling into a smile. ¡°This is our chance to achieve glory. The emperor¡¯s favor demands nothing less than total victory. Together, we will¡ª¡± A thunderous cry pierced the night air, ¡°Attack!¡± Tong Guan¡¯s expression froze as chaos erupted outside the tent. A bloodied soldier stumbled in, panic etched across his face. ¡°General, we¡¯re surrounded! The enemy¡¯s numbers are unknown¡­¡± Tong Guan¡¯s composure crumbled. His voice trembled as he barked, ¡°Quickly! Cover my retreat!¡± ¡­ One Month Later ¡ª Great Zhou ¡ª Qianyuan Hall ¡°Your Majesty, we have achieved a decisive victory!¡± A soldier reported with pride. ¡°Tong Guan has been captured, and the enemy¡¯s 300,000-strong army has been routed. General Heichi Changzhi seeks your permission to pursue the remaining Song forces.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix-like eyes gleamed with satisfaction. ¡°Tell him I approve. The Song people must pay dearly for their transgressions!¡± ¡­ Three Months of Triumph Heichi Changzhi¡¯s relentless pursuit devastated the Song forces. Over two months, the Zhou army captured twelve cities, including Bianjing, the Song capital. Zhao Ji fled south with his court, abandoning most of the northern territories to Great Zhou. ¡­ Great Zhou ¡ª Luoyang ¡ª Qianyuan Hall At first, the ministers were surprised by the reports of victory. But as the triumphs continued, they grew numb to them. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No one had anticipated that the seemingly prosperous Song Dynasty would prove so powerless against Great Zhou in actual combat. Once the facade of a ¡°strong nation¡± was stripped away, it became clear that the Song Dynasty was merely a wealthy but weak state, easily bullied into submission. Great Zhou¡¯s successive victories over the Song Dynasty were even smoother than anyone had imagined. It wasn¡¯t until just over a month ago, when Emperor Zhao Ji of the Song Dynasty moved his court to a new capital, that Great Zhou¡¯s advance finally slowed. Wu Zhao stood at the center of the grand hall, her black-and-white eyes calm yet commanding. ¡°Heichi Changzhi has written to me asking if we should continue south to capture Zhao Ji, now that seventy percent of the northern territories of the Song Dynasty are under our control¡­¡± Her voice sharpened as she added, ¡°Yet resistance remains. Not all Song forces have surrendered. Among them is Yue Fei, a young captain who has rallied the northern citizens and remnants of the Song army. Despite Zhao Ji¡¯s cowardice, Yue Fei has inspired loyalty and determination among his soldiers.¡± She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room. ¡°It is ironic, isn¡¯t it? A weak monarch like Zhao Ji does not deserve such loyal subjects. Yet here we are, facing a formidable resistance led by this Yue Fei.¡± She turned to the gathered ministers. ¡°To capture Zhao Ji, we must first defeat Yue Fei. But doing so will come at a cost. Should we consolidate our hold on the north, or press forward to crush this final resistance? Speak your minds.¡± Chapter 140 Chapter 140: The Most Insidious Plot in History! A Betrayal of the Emperor! Shocking the Court of Great Zhou! The hall fell silent. Everyone was deep in thought. Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. After a while, Xu Jingzong spoke, his tone measured. ¡°Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, our Great Zhou has already taken over most of the north in just three to four months. Such speed is astounding. Instead of expanding further, it would be wiser to stabilize the areas we have already conquered.¡± Many officials nodded in agreement. ¡°Indeed, Lord Xu¡¯s words are wise and prudent.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Our Great Zhou should first stabilize the rear before pursuing further conquests.¡± ¡°The resistance forces in the north of the Song Dynasty are stubborn. We might as well leave them alone for now.¡± Wei Yuanzhong added his voice. ¡°Lord Xu¡¯s reasoning is sound. In military campaigns, haste is the greatest folly. Our army has annexed enemy territory at a rapid pace, but such gains must be consolidated.¡± He continued, ¡°The Song Dynasty has twenty-six routes, four capitals, thirty prefectures, two hundred and fifty-four counties, sixty-three prisons, and one thousand two hundred and thirty-four districts, of which we currently control seventy percent in the north. ¡°This newly acquired land amounts to nearly one-fifth of Great Zhou¡¯s existing territory. If our aim were merely to kill and plunder, our army could advance without much concern. However, if we intend to expand and assimilate this land into our empire, we must proceed cautiously.¡± The hall murmured with agreement as Wei Yuanzhong concluded. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sheer size of the Song Dynasty¡¯s northern territory loomed large in their minds. The northern seventy percent alone was comparable to one-fifth of Great Zhou¡¯s domain. Adding to the challenge, the land annexed from the Qing Dynasty last year was still far from fully pacified, with remnants of resistance lingering. Moreover, it had been only three months since the northern Song territories were conquered. Wu Zhao¡¯s expression remained calm, her demeanor unreadable. Yet, in truth, she leaned toward a temporary truce. In his report, Heichi Changzhi had described Yue Fei¡¯s resistance as fierce and unrelenting. The Great Zhou army, after months of relentless campaigning, was at its breaking point¡ªstretched thin and weary. The conquered northern territories of the Song Dynasty had not yet been properly governed, and if the rear was left unstable while the resistance intensified at the front, the gains of the past months could quickly unravel. After all, the northern people of the Song Dynasty were known for their resilience. Wu Zhao¡¯s thoughts were interrupted when Yang Yi stepped forward and bowed. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he began, his tone steady, ¡°in my humble opinion, if our army halts now, the northern territories we have gained will inevitably be retaken by Yue Fei¡¯s forces.¡± The hall erupted in murmurs. All eyes turned to Yang Yi in astonishment. Even Wu Zhao looked surprised, her phoenix-like eyebrows arching as she leaned forward slightly. ¡°Minister Yang, why do you say this?¡± she asked, her voice calm but curious. Yang Yi straightened, his expression grave. ¡°Your Majesty, while the officials of the Song Dynasty are incompetent, the common people are fiercely tenacious. ¡°This means the northern territories we have conquered are inherently unstable. ¡°If we do not eliminate Yue Fei and his resistance forces soon, the people of the north will inevitably rally around him. They will see our Great Zhou as incapable of defeating him, and though they may resent their emperor and court, no one willingly allows their country to fall. ¡°If Yue Fei is left unchecked, he will inspire hope among the people to expel us, the foreign invaders. At that point, with an unstable rear and a stretched front, our army will face certain defeat.¡± A heavy silence fell over the hall. Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, his brow furrowed in thought. ¡°Minister Yang, your points are valid. However, how can we continue to expand without stopping to reorganize? ¡°The resistance army led by Yue Fei cannot be eliminated in a short time. If we press forward without securing the rear, a rebellion could trap us between two fronts.¡± He paused before adding, ¡°I still believe that stability must come before further conquest.¡± Many nodded, their agreement clear. Yang Yi was undeniably wise, but Xu Jingzong¡¯s words were practical. Yang Yi, however, smiled faintly. ¡°Lord Xu, your concerns are reasonable, but not stopping doesn¡¯t mean committing all our forces to fighting Yue Fei. What I propose is maintaining a state of readiness while keeping the war limited in scope.¡± Zhang Jianzhi frowned. ¡°Minister Yang, such an approach risks giving the Song people opportunities. In their territory, if we don¡¯t commit fully, they¡¯ll exploit any gaps and use their knowledge of the terrain to launch small, effective attacks against us.¡± He added, ¡°In my view, your proposal is riskier than either halting to stabilize or going all out for victory.¡± The hall murmured again. Zhang Jianzhi¡¯s argument made sense. Yang Yi, however, remained unperturbed. ¡°Minister Zhang,¡± he said evenly, ¡°your assessment is incorrect. ¡°My proposal to reduce the scale of the war serves three purposes: ¡°First, to allow our Great Zhou forces time to recover from exhaustion. ¡°Second, to prevent instability in the rear by avoiding overextension. ¡°Third, because eliminating Yue Fei and his Northern Song Patriot Army doesn¡¯t require a large force.¡± His last point sent a ripple of confusion through the hall. Zhang Jianzhi frowned deeply. ¡°Minister Yang, General Heichi¡¯s reports suggest that defeating Yue Fei will require significant effort. How can you claim it doesn¡¯t require a large army?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile widened. Instead of responding directly, he turned to Wu Zhao and bowed. ¡°Your Majesty, I have a plan that will cause the remaining resistance of the Northern Song to collapse without us losing a single soldier. ¡°It will strip the southern Song court of its remaining support among the people and enable Great Zhou to take the northern territories without effort.¡± The hall fell silent once more. Everyone stared at Yang Yi, their expressions a mixture of shock and doubt. Wu Zhao¡¯s eyes glimmered with interest. She had not expected Minister Yang to have such a bold idea. Chapter 141 Chapter 141 Great Zhou¡ªLuoyang, Qianyuan Hall Wu Zhao¡¯s expression softened as she looked at Yang Yi. However, she hesitated. ¡°Minister Yang, this plan does not involve the use of poison, does it?¡± The room fell silent. ¡°After the Qing Dynasty was conquered, many Qing people still resent Great Zhou for the smallpox strategy. To this day, remnants of resistance linger in secret.¡± She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping across the ministers. ¡°The Song people are brave and resilient, unlike the Qing. If we harm them with another large-scale poison attack, it might provoke deeper resentment and ignite even fiercer resistance.¡± A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall. At the time of the Qing conquest, Great Zhou¡¯s position had been precarious. The smallpox strategy had turned the tide, allowing a vastly outnumbered army to overcome the Qing¡¯s overwhelming strength. The results had been decisive¡ªa victory hailed as miraculous. But the cost had been steep. The death toll from the plague had left deep scars, ensuring the Qing people¡¯s animosity toward Great Zhou. Even now, generations later, integration remained elusive. Wu Zhao¡¯s voice softened as she added, ¡°Now that Great Zhou possesses the strength to subdue the Song Dynasty, we must consider our legacy. A ¡®benevolent rule¡¯ would strengthen our hold and bolster our reputation in the long term.¡± Yang Yi met her gaze with a calm smile. ¡°Your Majesty, rest assured, this plan does not involve the use of poison or plagues.¡± A collective sigh of relief swept through the hall. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°This is a national policy,¡± he continued, his tone measured. ¡°It will bring the already crumbling Song Dynasty to its knees without shedding unnecessary blood. It will turn the Zhao family into a disgrace within their own kingdom.¡± His words caught everyone¡¯s attention. Eyes filled with curiosity turned toward him. ¡°What strategy could be so powerful?¡± someone murmured. Yang Yi¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°This strategy is called ¡®.¡¯¡± A wave of confusion spread through the hall. Ministers exchanged puzzled glances. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Wei Yuanzhong muttered under his breath. Xu Jingzong, equally perplexed, furrowed his brow. ¡°It sounds¡­ ordinary.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s phoenix-like eyes narrowed as she studied Yang Yi. ¡°Southerners return south, northerners return north?¡± she repeated, her voice tinged with skepticism. ¡°Minister Yang, what does this mean? Explain.¡± Yang Yi remained unruffled, his chiseled features calm as he met the empress¡¯s gaze. He raised a finger, gesturing for patience. ¡°Your Majesty, let us consider the state of the Song Dynasty. Emperor Zhao Ji has abandoned the north, fleeing south to rebuild his court. During his reign, corruption flourished, and the people suffered under heavy taxes and levies.¡± He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. ¡°Now, facing the unstoppable advance of Great Zhou, what do you think Zhao Ji¡¯s next move will be?¡± The ministers fell silent, each pondering the question. Wu Zhao¡¯s voice broke the stillness. ¡°Given the Song Dynasty¡¯s past behavior¡­ he will likely seek peace.¡± Yang Yi¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Precisely. And we will grant him that peace¡ªbut on our terms.¡± The hall buzzed with murmurs of intrigue. ¡°We will release one of the captured Song officials to deliver our message. Great Zhou will propose a policy of ¡®Southerners Return South, Northerners Return North.¡¯ If Zhao Ji agrees, we will cease our advance and allow him to keep his southern court.¡± He paused, scanning the room before delivering the crux of his plan. ¡°The decree will mandate that all officials and civilians of northern origin must return to the north, while those of southern origin remain in the south.¡± The hall fell silent again. Confusion clouded the faces of many ministers. Finally, a bold voice broke the quiet. ¡°Minister Yang, I fail to see how this would crush the Song Dynasty. Could you elaborate?¡± Yang Yi¡¯s gaze swept the room, his voice calm but sharp. ¡°Think carefully. Where will the northerners in the south go?¡± No one answered. He continued, his tone growing colder. ¡°The north is under Great Zhou¡¯s control. If they return, they will become our subjects. Their emperor, Zhao Ji, will have abandoned them. The decree will strip them of their homeland and identity, making them orphans of their own nation.¡± Gasps echoed through the chamber as realization dawned. ¡°Imagine the impact on the resistance,¡± Yang Yi said, his voice steady. ¡°Loyal soldiers like Yue Fei, who fight with unyielding patriotism, will feel the sting of betrayal. Their emperor will have surrendered their cause, leaving them leaderless and without purpose.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°As for the southerners, seeing their northern compatriots abandoned will spark fear and distrust. The emperor¡¯s cowardice will shatter their loyalty. The people¡¯s hearts will divide. Their unity will crumble. And with it, the Song Dynasty will fall.¡± The hall was deathly silent. Ministers stared at Yang Yi in awe and horror. His plan, deceptively simple, was devastating in its implications. ¡°It is ruthless,¡± one official whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°To turn a people¡¯s own emperor into their betrayer¡­ This is worse than death.¡± Another added, ¡°Minister Yang, you are truly the king of cunning strategies.¡± Wu Zhao¡¯s expression remained unreadable as she studied her chief minister. After a moment, she nodded slowly. ¡°This is indeed a brilliant plan,¡± she said, her voice calm but resolute. ¡°But implementing it will require precision. Make the necessary preparations.¡± Yang Yi bowed deeply. ¡°Your Majesty, I will ensure its success.¡± The hall slowly emptied, the ministers departing in silence. Each man carried the weight of the plan¡¯s implications, unable to shake the chilling brilliance of Yang Yi¡¯s strategy.