Chapter 147: The Turks’ Visit and the Empress’s Embarrassment
The Turks and the Great Zhou were officially on friendly terms, bound by an alliance. For the Great Zhou, breaking the agreement was out of the question. Maintaining the dignity of a great nation was essential for its aspirations of unifying the world. The Great Zhou’s reputation as a trustworthy power would be pivotal in the future.
On the other hand, the Turks had no such scruples. Their barbaric and impetuous nature was well known. While the Empress upheld the importance of a national image, Jie Li Khan’s ambitions were far less constrained.
As Yang Yi stroked his chin, deep in thought, Shangguan Wan’er entered the hall, bowing respectfully.
“Your Majesty, Jie Li Khan of the Turks has heard of your conquest of half the Song Dynasty and claims he will arrive in three days to congratulate you,” she reported.
Wu Zhao’s phoenix-like eyebrows furrowed as her face darkened. She snorted. “Jie Li Khan comes not to congratulate us but to test the strength of the Great Zhou.”
Yang Yi smiled faintly. “Your Majesty, his visit is an opportunity.”
Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious. “An opportunity?”
Yang Yi’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. “I have a plan to make Jie Li Khan voluntarily declare war on the Great Zhou.”
Surprised by his bold statement, Wu Zhao scrutinized him. “What plan?”
Yang Yi straightened but offered only a cryptic response. “You will know in due time, Your Majesty.”
Wu Zhao narrowed her eyes, her expression betraying both irritation and curiosity. This man loved his mysteries. Just as she was about to press him further, a sharp pain in her temples made her wince.
Shangguan Wan’er noticed immediately. “Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”
Wu Zhao waved her hand dismissively. “Perhaps I have been overworking myself.”
“Shall I summon the imperial physician?” Shangguan Wan’er asked hesitantly.
Wu Zhao initially shook her head but paused when Yang Yi interjected.
“Your Majesty, a healthy body is essential for governing the empire. I urge you to consult the imperial physician,” he said with measured concern.
Wu Zhao shot him an exasperated look but relented. “Wan’er, summon the imperial physician.”
Shangguan Wan’er hesitated, casting a strange glance at Yang Yi. It was evident that the Empress placed considerable trust in him.
Moments later, the imperial physician arrived. After respectfully saluting the Empress, he began his examination.
His expression grew peculiar as he finished taking Wu Zhao’s pulse. He seemed hesitant to speak, which only fueled Wu Zhao’s irritation.
“What is it?” she demanded. “Is something wrong with my health?”
The imperial physician hesitated, his gray beard trembling. “Your Majesty is not seriously ill. I will prescribe a sedative to nourish your body…”
Shangguan Wan’er frowned. “Doctor Zhang, if there’s something you’re not saying, speak plainly. Do not delay Her Majesty’s treatment!”
The imperial physician sighed, his voice low. “Your Majesty, it’s merely an imbalance of Yin and Yang.”
The hall fell silent. Wu Zhao’s expression froze, her sharp gaze shifting from the physician to Shangguan Wan’er. The latter bit her lip, suddenly regretting her insistence, especially with Yang Yi present.
Yang Yi’s eyebrow twitched. An imbalance of Yin and Yang? His gaze drifted to the Empress’s face, noting a few faint blemishes on her otherwise flawless complexion—a clear sign of hormonal imbalance.
The silence grew heavier as Wu Zhao dismissed the physician with a wave of her hand. The man wasted no time retreating, clearly relieved to escape the awkward atmosphere.
Left alone with Yang Yi and Shangguan Wan’er, Wu Zhao’s annoyance simmered. Yang Yi, however, broke the silence with a casual question.
“Your Majesty, have you been sleeping poorly or feeling unusually irritable lately?”
Wu Zhao’s lips tightened. She had intended to drop the matter entirely, but his words were startlingly accurate.
“Indeed,” she replied cautiously. “How did you know?”
Yang Yi maintained a neutral tone. “It’s a common issue for women at this stage of life. Your Majesty’s single status also contributes to the imbalance. It’s perfectly normal—”
Wu Zhao’s face turned crimson, and she glared at him. “Are you implying I should marry?”
Yang Yi coughed lightly. “Not at all, Your Majesty. I only meant that I could assist in addressing the imbalance…”
The hall fell into a stunned silence.
Shangguan Wan’er stared at Yang Yi in disbelief, her mouth slightly open. Was Minister Yang truly this audacious?
Wu Zhao’s face burned as anger and embarrassment battled for dominance. Her voice, sharp and commanding, rang out. “Get out!”
Yang Yi rose and exited the hall with an unhurried stride, a small smile tugging at his lips. His audacity had been deliberate—a test of the Empress’s limits.
To his amusement, her reaction had been limited to embarrassment and irritation. No punishment.
It seems there’s still room to challenge the throne, he thought with a smirk as he walked away.