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Chapter 12 - The Empress Has Reached The Right Age to Marry! Shangguan Wan'er's teasing!
Chapter 12: The Empress Has Reached The Right Age to Marry! Shangguan Wan’er’s teasing!
Of course, these words could only be kept in his heart.
On the surface, he righteously declared, “I am indebted to the Emperor’s grace. Loyalty to the ruler and service to the country is my duty!”
Wu Zhao glanced at the upright Yang Yi, a slight curve appearing at the corner of her lips.
“At such a young age, you have already reached the position of Central Sheriff. Although this position is not of high rank, it does have considerable power.”
“Another promotion might attract undue attention.”
“How about this, I heard that you are not married yet. Why don’t I introduce you to a match?”
Yang Yi was speechless. He solemnly replied, “Your Majesty, please do not joke with your humble servant. The Turks are not yet defeated, how can I think of my family?”
Heaven knows what kind of woman the Empress would introduce him to. If she turned out to be ugly, wouldn’t that be a disaster?
Wu Zhao smiled faintly and did not mention the matter again. Instead, she discussed the upcoming negotiations with the Turks.
Half an hour later, Yang Yi left the palace.
Inside the hall, Wu Zhao leaned back against the chair, revealing her snow-white neck. Her faint smile faded and became cold and calm.
“Wan’er, what do you think of my proposal?”
Shangguan Wan’er, who was standing next to her, pursed her lips and smiled.
“Your Majesty intends to match the Third Princess with Lord Yang?”
Wu Zhao’s lips curled, and her phoenix eyes shifted slightly.
“Yang Yi is exceptionally talented and comes from a humble background. Such talent is most reassuring when held in my hands.”
“Besides, my younger sister is also of marriageable age… I find Yang Yi’s appearance quite handsome; he might not be unsuitable.”
Shangguan Wan’er hesitated to speak. Wu Zhao looked at her.
“What’s the matter?”
Shangguan Wan’er cautiously said, “Your Majesty also seems to be of marriageable age. The royal family is quite concerned about Your Majesty’s marriage…”
Wu Zhao was taken aback.
“You dare to joke about me!”
Shangguan Wan’er pursed her lips and smiled.
As a trusted maid who had accompanied the Empress since childhood, Shangguan Wan’er was less intimidated by Wu Zhao than the other palace maids.
Wu Zhao was silent for a moment before laughing mockingly.
“I am the ruler of a nation. Marriage is a state affair; it cannot be so simple.”
Shangguan Wan’er blinked innocently.
“Actually, Lord Yang is only a few years older than the Third Princess and about the same age as Your Majesty…”
Wu Zhao was taken aback and glared at Shangguan Wan’er.
“I see you are itching for a reprimand, daring to gossip about me.”
“If rumors spread about me and Yang Yi, where would my dignity go?”
She continued, “How can a ruler and a minister be husband and wife?”
“You little girl, you really deserve a scolding.”
Shangguan Wan’er pretended to be frightened but felt a hint of curiosity. The Empress’s reaction seemed less intense than expected.
…
Half a month later, the Turks’ harassment of the Great Zhou gradually subsided. The destructive power of the Gold Juice had terrified them into submission.
At that time, the Empress’s letter was once again delivered to the Turkic Khan. News of the trade agreement between the two countries began to spread.
Another month passed, and a market had been established at the border where the two nations met. Trade had officially begun.
…
In the Tang Dynasty’s Hall of Supreme Jurisdiction in Chang’an, a middle-aged man dressed in a pale gold dragon robe sat at the center of the hall.
He had a square face, a broad forehead, and a dignified appearance, with white streaks in his hair. Every movement he made exuded an undeniable aura of authority.
“You’ve all heard the news about the trade between the Zhou Kingdom and the Turks, right?” he asked with a smile.
Standing below him was a group of ministers in purple robes with goldfish pouches.
The one at the front was rather plump but had deep, contemplative eyes. This man was none other than the Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty, Changsun Wuji.
Changsun Wuji respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, this matter has already caused quite a stir…”
Li Shimin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“What do you think?”
Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment before responding, “Your humble servant believes this matter is not so simple; there may be hidden motives behind it.”
Li Shimin remained noncommittal and looked at Fang Xuanling.
“I have heard that the Zhou Kingdom has developed a weapon called ‘Gold Liquid’ that has severely damaged the Turks…”
Fang Xuanling’s expression was somewhat strange. “I heard it’s made by boiling feces, hence the name ‘Gold Liquid’. After being boiled, the filth in the fecal liquid causes severe infections that are incurable…”
Li Shimin frowned deeply.
“This is indeed a vicious weapon…”
“Do you know who made it?”
Changsun Wuji quickly replied, “Your Majesty, the person who mixed sand into the relief grain of the Zhou Kingdom and created the Gold Liquid is the same individual.”
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin’s face showed shock.
“Are you saying it’s that newly appointed top scholar, Yang Yi?”
The incident of sand being mixed into the relief grain of the Zhou Kingdom had become widely known a few days ago. Li Shimin had heard about it and even praised the imaginative method. He hadn’t expected Yang Yi to come up with another new trick!
Changsun Wuji nodded.
“Indeed, it is him.”
Li Shimin’s frown deepened.
“This person is indeed talented… but his methods are somewhat sinister.”
Changsun Wuji sighed.
“Your Majesty, as far as I know, the trade between the Zhou Kingdom and the Turks was also facilitated by Yang Yi…”
Li Shimin’s eyes grew thoughtful. “Using trade to maintain peace between the two countries—this person is not to be underestimated.”
Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling exchanged glances and smiled wryly. Li Shimin noticed their unease and asked, “What is it?”
Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment before speaking. “I heard that the Zhou people only buy sheepskins from the Turks at high prices, but nothing else…”
Li Shimin stroked his chin. “What’s so strange about that?”
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