I, Am a Living Yama; Empress Advises Me to Stay Calm

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.

That scoundrel—was I too lenient with him? Is that why he’s becoming so insolent? 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—it 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: Are women in their early twenties the most charming?

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 Mànmàn and claims to know you.”

Yang Yi frowned slightly. Mànmàn?

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 Great Zhou Bao was first published.

Many had sent letters to the newspaper, but Mànmàn 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, Mànmàn had mentioned that her father was forcing her to marry. He had replied casually: “If you’re forced to marry, run away!”

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 Great Zhou Bao 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—the author of Dream of the Red Chamber. 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—tall 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. Shameless woman, calling him ‘Brother’ so intimately!

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.

“Mànmàn?”

Ying Yinnan’s rosy lips curved into a sweet smile.

“It’s me.”

Wu Mingyue’s jaw tightened, her temper flaring. Calling her Mànmàn now? Such intimacy—this scoundrel is unbelievable!

Yang Yi hadn’t anticipated Mànmàn’s beauty. She was far from ordinary, with those endlessly long legs. He thought to himself, She must have endured quite the journey from Qin. I should arrange a place for her to rest.

“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.”