Zhang Jianzhi and the other officials exchanged uneasy glances. They were well aware of Yang Yi’s temperament. Was Yang Yi truly unaffected by Jie Li Khan’s blatant provocation?
Before they could ponder further, the Empress entered the hall, flanked by palace maids. Her presence commanded immediate attention. The Great Zhou officials rose to their feet and saluted in unison.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Wu Zhao acknowledged them with a slight nod and ascended to the dragon throne. Jie Li Khan, however, remained seated, only giving her a faint nod.
Wu Zhao’s expression remained serene.
“Let the banquet begin.”
The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the hall, creating a lively atmosphere. Yet beneath the surface, tension lingered.
Jie Li Khan raised his wine cup, his eyes gleaming with a calculated smile as he addressed the Empress.
“I have heard that the Great Zhou has conquered half of the Song Dynasty’s territory. I have come specifically to congratulate Your Majesty on this remarkable achievement. Truly, Your Majesty has the wisdom and ambition of a great leader.”
Wu Zhao met his gaze with calm detachment.
“Thank you, Jie Li Khan.”
He laughed heartily, draining his cup in one gulp. Then his tone shifted, sharp and probing.
“Your Majesty’s ambitions are as vast as rivers and seas. Tell me, when do you plan to make a move against my Turks?”
The hall fell into an uneasy silence.
The Great Zhou officials exchanged astonished glances. Even Xu Jingzong, known for his steady demeanor, narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering in his gaze.
Yang Yi’s expression remained neutral, but his raised brow betrayed a trace of amusement. Jie Li Khan was testing them, deliberately provoking the Great Zhou to gauge their resolve.
Wu Zhao paused briefly before offering a faint smile. Her gaze, cold and majestic, swept over Jie Li Khan.
“As long as the Turks remain our allies, I have no intention of taking action against them.”
Her reply, both gracious and firm, struck a perfect balance. While it extended the olive branch of peaceful coexistence, it also carried a subtle warning: provoke us, and the Great Zhou will respond accordingly.
The officials were inwardly impressed. The Empress’s words exuded both wisdom and authority.
Jie Li Khan’s eyes narrowed, his thick brows knitting together in thought. He had assumed that years of continuous warfare had drained the Great Zhou’s treasury, leaving them unable to sustain further conflicts. After a moment of consideration, his stern expression softened into a hearty laugh.
“Your Majesty is indeed wise. The Turks and the Great Zhou will always remain allies. Should the Great Zhou ever require assistance, you need only ask. The Turks will offer their full support.”
Yang Yi suddenly smiled, breaking the tension.
“Jie Li Khan, you are indeed forthright. Allow me to toast to your sincerity.”
Jie Li Khan hesitated, momentarily taken aback by the gesture, but quickly lifted his cup and drank it all in one go.
Yang Yi’s smile widened. “Our Great Zhou court orchestra boasts many talented singers and dancers. I hope you’ll enjoy their performance.”
As his words faded, a group of dancers took the stage, moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music. The atmosphere lightened, and the hall grew lively once more. Yang Yi, ever watchful, subtly signaled to several officials, who stepped forward to toast Jie Li Khan one after another.
Amid the clinking of cups and cheerful conversation, Jie Li Khan’s earlier arrogance began to wane, perhaps tempered by the Empress’s firm tone and the officials’ unwavering hospitality.
After some time, Yang Yi turned to the slightly inebriated Jie Li Khan with a faint smile.
“Jie Li Khan, what do you think of our Great Zhou’s dancers?”
Jie Li Khan leaned back in his seat, unbuttoning the top of his shirt to reveal his chest. His voice boomed with disdain.
“Your Central Plains dances are too soft, lacking in power and vigor.”
The officials bristled at the insult. Even the most mild-mannered among them struggled to contain their displeasure.
Yang Yi, however, remained composed. He nodded slightly.
“Indeed, compared to the Turks, our dances may appear softer.”
The officials exchanged puzzled glances, their frustration mounting. Was this truly the same Yang Yi, known for his sharp wit and unyielding demeanor?
Jie Li Khan snorted, his tone laced with derision. “At least you understand, boy.”
The officials’ expressions darkened further. Such blatant disrespect toward Minister Yang, the Chancellor of the Secretariat, was intolerable.
But Yang Yi merely smiled, his eyes gleaming with a hidden edge.
“I have heard much of the fame of Turkic dances, and it is said that Jie Li Khan himself is a skilled dancer. Would you honor us with a performance? We would be grateful for the opportunity to witness the legendary Turkic dance firsthand.”
The hall fell into stunned silence.
The officials were left speechless. Who in their right mind would want to watch a fat man dance? Minister Yang’s overly respectful demeanor today was both irritating and a disgrace to the Great Zhou.
Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, and the others exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion mirrored in their furrowed brows. Yang Yi’s behavior was uncharacteristic, stirring a sense of unease. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on Yang Yi with quiet contemplation. Something about his actions felt off.
After all, Yang Yi had previously claimed to have a plan to provoke Jie Li Khan into declaring war. Yet today, his unusual respectfulness stood in stark contrast to his usual audacious style.
Jie Li Khan’s eyes widened, and for a moment, it seemed he might refuse. But then he laughed boisterously, his drunken bravado taking over.
“You have good taste, Minister Yang. Very well, I shall show you the Turkic ‘Hunting Dance.’”
The Turkish envoys behind him cheered in approval. Yang Yi waved his hand, and the Great Zhou dancers retreated, leaving only the musicians to play.
The beat of drums filled the air, wild and intoxicating. Jie Li Khan, despite his bulky frame, moved with surprising agility. His dance was grand and imposing, exuding a raw, primal energy that captivated the audience.
When the performance concluded, Jie Li Khan returned to his seat, a smug grin on his face.
“Compared to our Turkic dance, your Great Zhou’s performances are indeed lacking.”
The officials seethed, their anger barely contained. The insult was too much.
Yang Yi, however, smiled once more. “Jie Li Khan, your dance was truly magnificent. It has indeed broadened our horizons.”
The hall grew quiet as everyone stared at Yang Yi in disbelief.
“Dance for Her Majesty?”
Even Jie Li Khan was stunned.
What the hell is this?
Yang Yi smiled slightly and gestured to an official standing nearby. The official, holding a pen and paper, was the court scribe, responsible for documenting important events.
The scribe stepped forward and announced in a clear voice as he wrote:
“In the third year of the Great Zhou’s Heavenly Authorization, the Empress hosted a banquet with Jie Li Khan of the Turks. Jie Li Khan, admiring the strength of the Great Zhou, was overwhelmed with emotion and performed a dance for Her Majesty to show his respect…”