I, Am a Living Yama, Empress Advises Me to Stay Calm-Chapter 224

Chapter 224

The moment Yang Yi finished speaking, silence fell over the imperial hall. The air grew tense and heavy.

Shangguan Wan’er stared at him in disbelief. Her rosy lips parted slightly, too stunned to close, while her eyes—so starkly black and white—rounded with shock.

What had she just heard? Did Prime Minister Yang really have the nerve to say that?

Wu Zhao’s delicate, porcelain face flushed red in an instant. Her clear amber eyes flashed with a mix of embarrassment and rage. This shameless man was becoming increasingly audacious. It was as if he no longer feared her at all.

If only they were alone in the hall. But with Shangguan Wan’er present, Wu Zhao’s anger flared. She shot Yang Yi a seething glare.

“Presumptuous! You… you scoundrel! What nonsense are you spouting?”

Yang Yi gave her an innocent look. “Your Majesty, this truly is a sound strategy. It can put a stop to the rumors and also help you resolve the matter of marriage. A perfect solution—two birds with one stone.”

Wu Zhao’s face burned hot. She was furious, both with him and herself.

“Is there no other way? Must it involve… something like you making me—hmph!” She turned her face away. “You’re terrible. Clearly you’re using this situation to your advantage.”

But halfway through her protest, the Empress suddenly realized they were not alone. Wan’er was still there. She bit her tongue and fell silent.

Wan’er looked between the two of them, dazed. Her thoughts tumbled chaotically.

What had she missed? Since when did it feel like the relationship between Her Majesty and Prime Minister Yang had grown so close? Why did the Empress act as though she were pouting at her lover?

The silence lingered. Wu Zhao drew in a long breath, then turned a sharp gaze back to Yang Yi.

“I nearly forgot to ask. Why did you suddenly come to the palace to see me today?”

Yang Yi smiled, his tone light. “Oh, Your Majesty, I came across something rather interesting. I wanted to present it to you in person.”

Wu Zhao blinked, her brows rising in curiosity. A faint intrigue played on her graceful features.

“Interesting? What kind of thing?”

He gave a light cough, the corners of his mouth lifting into a mysterious smile.

“It’s a rare and unusual item. Your Majesty must see it with your own eyes to understand.”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully. “Very well. Take me there.” 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

“Wan’er, prepare the carriage.”

Wan’er blinked in surprise but quickly responded with a bow. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

…

Half an hour later, at the Yang Mansion.

Outside the grand estate, carriages lined the street in a vibrant and chaotic display. Some were modest and worn, others luxurious but understated, and a few sparkled with gold and jewels. Servants lounged beside them, exchanging idle gossip as they waited.

Most were emissaries of noble families, entrusted to deliver gifts on behalf of their masters in hopes of currying favor with Yang Yi, the young prime minister who now stood at the very summit of power.

Among them were newly arrived provincial officials and wealthy merchants, all eager to secure the good graces of the man who held the reins of the empire.

None of them, of course, were qualified to meet the Prime Minister in person. Their mission was simply to offer gifts and hope he noticed their sincerity.

Such scenes were common here. The gatekeepers of the Yang Mansion were used to the bustle and turned a blind eye. As long as no one caused trouble, they had no reason to interfere.

In the meantime, small groups formed among the waiting crowd, killing time with hushed conversation.

“Have you heard the latest rumor from the Ming Dynasty?” someone asked.

“Hiss… do you mean the one about Her Majesty?”

“Yes, yes. So you’ve all heard it too?”

“Keep your voice down. It’s been spreading far and wide. But who knows if it’s true? Our Empress is indeed of an age, yet still unmarried.”

“Surely it’s just gossip. Her Majesty is too devoted to governing the realm to concern herself with such things.”

The crowd murmured in low voices.

Just then, a new carriage arrived, rolling slowly to a halt in front of the mansion.

This was no ordinary carriage. Its golden canopy gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, and its sandalwood frame was draped in fine Suzhou silk embroidered with elegant murals. The wheels were rimmed in pure gold, the hubs made of silver—two concentric circles dazzling with inlaid gemstones. A brilliant yellow banner fluttered atop it, marking its imperial origin.

The horses leading it were a sight to behold—snow-white, regal, their heads held high as if fully aware of their master’s nobility. Their golden bridles shimmered, and with every proud step, their hooves rang out crisply on the stone-paved road.

The murmuring crowd fell silent, all eyes drawn to the carriage. These were seasoned servants of the elite. Even if they had never ridden in such splendor, they had certainly seen it before.

“This emblem…” one whispered. “Could it be someone from the palace?”

“It looks like it. The carriage design matches the ones used inside the Forbidden City.”

“Could it be the princess? I heard she’s close to the Prime Minister…”

“Very possible…”

Their discussion grew more animated, but at the gate, the mansion’s doorman had already recognized the carriage’s true significance.

At first stunned, he suddenly paled. That was no princess’s carriage—it bore the unmistakable markings of the imperial household. The realization struck him like thunder.

The curtain of the carriage lifted.

Yang Yi stepped out first.

The doorman hurried forward and bowed low, trembling with respect.

“Prime Minister…”

Yang Yi waved a hand casually and stepped aside, preparing to assist the next passenger.

Moments later, Empress Wu Zhao herself descended gracefully from the carriage, her hand resting lightly in Yang Yi’s as she landed with poise and dignity.

The doorman’s eyes widened. Though he had guessed as much, seeing Her Majesty in person was a different matter altogether. He nearly dropped to his knees in shock.

Initially, the people in the distance were thrilled to see Yang Yi. But the moment they saw a woman in a dragon robe step down from the carriage, they froze. It was the Empress.

The gatekeeper quickly bowed. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Wu Zhao paid him no heed. Her gaze settled on Yang Yi, a curious look flickering in her eyes.

“The item you mentioned—is it in your residence?”

Yang Yi nodded with a calm smile. “Indeed… Your Majesty, please follow me.”

Wu Zhao arched her phoenix brows but said nothing more. She followed him into the mansion.

Only when the Empress’s silhouette disappeared through the gates did the crowd outside finally exhale. A nervous silence lingered as they glanced at one another.

Each man saw in the others’ eyes the same thing he felt: utter disbelief.