A few days later, the new issue of Great Zhou Bao 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 – 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 Great Zhou Bao 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—Great Zhou Bao—is 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 – Great Zhou, Luoyang
At the Great Zhou Bao 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 exposé 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.
“A living Yama indeed,” she muttered, shaking her head in astonishment.