All Web Novel
Chapter 97
Chapter 97
Zhang Feng’s expression shifted. Although he didn’t recognize the young man behind him, he certainly recognized the official in front.
He quickly addressed him, “Your subordinate salutes Vice Minister Liu…”
Liu Gao glared, ignoring Zhang Feng’s flattery, and turned to look at Zhu Dong.
Naturally, Zhu Dong recognized the vice minister of Honglu Temple and smiled.
“Vice Minister Liu, is this matter really concerning you? It’s truly just a minor issue.”
He assumed that the vice minister of Honglu Temple had come specifically for him.
Seeing this high-ranking official from the Zhou Kingdom arrive, Gao Kan’s smugness intensified. He looked at the stunned Wei Zifu and smiled.
“You see? My status is not ordinary. If you follow me, you’ll enjoy endless wealth and luxury.”
Wei Zifu and Wei Qing had been momentarily stunned by Yang Yi’s entrance, their minds blank. Hearing Gao Kan’s words snapped Wei Zifu out of her daze, and she quickly turned to Yang Yi.
“Prime Minister, I have nothing to do with him. It was he who…”
She quickly explained everything that had happened, fearing that Yang Yi might misunderstand.
Yang Yi only smiled, gently patting Wei Zifu’s head.
“I’m here. Don’t worry.”
Those few words brought tears to Wei Zifu’s eyes. She had always been careful not to cause Yang Yi any trouble.
The life she had now was something she cherished deeply, and the thought of him disliking her because of this incident was unbearable. She had been cautious, never daring to be a burden to him.
But now, her pent-up grievances surged forward. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Quickly, she wiped them away and whispered, “Prime Minister, do I look ugly when I cry?”
Yang Yi paused, slightly amused. She was actually worried about her appearance right now? He gently touched her cheek.
“Don’t worry, my silly girl is always beautiful.”
Wei Zifu blushed, her heart racing with both shyness and joy at his words—”my girl.” Meanwhile, Gao Kan seethed with jealousy.
This woman showed him no interest at all, but in front of this handsome young man, she was all shy and demure. And “Prime Minister”? Who was this boy to flaunt such an unusual title? They were being affectionate right in front of him?
He scoffed. “Your wife, huh? Her brother injured me. Unless you pay a thousand ounces of gold today, neither of you is leaving!”
Yang Yi didn’t even look at him. He answered calmly, “Noisy. Wei Qing, slap him.”
Wei Qing’s eyes lit up. “Yes!”
He had been restraining his anger, but now, with Yang Yi’s permission, he no longer held back. Wei Qing stepped forward and, with all his strength, delivered a fierce slap.
PAH!
Gao Kan let out a shrill scream as he was sent flying, spinning midair before crashing to the ground, nearly losing his front teeth. His agonized scream echoed through the yamen, leaving Zhu Dong, Zhang Feng, and Liu Gao bewildered.
Liu Gao had initially intended to de-escalate the situation, thinking it unwise for the Prime Minister’s identity to be revealed here. But now, seeing the conflict escalate to a physical altercation, he stood speechless.
Zhang Feng was furious. These people were out of control in his own county yamen. How could he ever explain this to the vice minister?
Suppressing his anger, Zhang Feng demanded coldly,
“Where did these lowly commoners come from, acting so brazenly here?”
He directed the question toward Yang Yi, though it was veiled. Liu Gao’s face paled. Was this fool looking for death?
He glared at Zhang Feng, eyes wide, nearly spitting in his face.
“Impudent! How dare you speak to Prime Minister Yang with such disrespect!”
The yamen fell silent, the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on everyone.
“Prime Minister Yang?”
Zhang Feng froze, staring at the smiling Yang Yi in shock as a chill ran from his feet to his head.
Oh my god! This was the ruthless official who had eliminated dozens of Li Yifu’s family members and executed numerous fifth-rank officials in a single month.
His legs went weak, and he dropped to his knees with a thud.
“Prime… Prime Minister, please forgive me. Your subordinate didn’t recognize you, please spare my life!”
Tears welled up in Zhang Feng’s eyes.
If you were the Prime Minister’s wife, why didn’t you say so earlier?
If I’d known, I wouldn’t have dared to bother you.
Zhu Dong took a deep breath, staring at Yang Yi in astonishment. This young man was actually the formidable Prime Minister of Great Zhou?
Gao Kan, clutching his swollen face, was equally shocked. This handsome young man was actually the Prime Minister?
The other yamen officers, trembling in fear, bowed before Yang Yi.
Yang Yi’s mouth twitched. Was his reputation really so infamous? He looked at Zhang Feng with a slight smile.
“I’ll be taking her with me. It seems the position of county magistrate in the capital isn’t suitable for you. Take some time to rest at home.”
Zhang Feng’s face went ashen, as though he had just lost a loved one. With a single sentence, Yang Yi had made his years of effort meaningless.
Meanwhile, Zhu Dong felt uneasy. He had come to meet Yang Yi but hadn’t expected to offend him so soon. Stepping forward, he introduced himself.
“Prime Minister Yang, I am Zhu Dong, the Weiyuan Jiedushi of the Great Song…”
Yang Yi raised an eyebrow. Zhu Dong?
The name sounded familiar—he was one of the Six Traitors of Northern Song, along with Cai Jing and others.
He replied calmly, “Today’s incident was just a misunderstanding. What do you think, Lord Zhu?”
Zhu Dong quickly agreed, “Indeed, it was a misunderstanding. I’ll personally bring my nephew to your residence in the coming days to formally apologize.”
Yang Yi gave a slight smile and left with Wei Qing and Wei Zifu, ignoring Zhu Dong entirely.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
Once they left, the tense atmosphere in the yamen eased. Many officers who had been on edge felt immense relief, though no one mocked anyone else.
Who wouldn’t be scared? Offending another high-ranking official might get you fired, but if you offended the living Yama King, you and your family might not live to see the next day.
…
Yang Residence
PAH!
“Ying…”
Wei Zifu clutched her backside, letting out a pained whimper. Yang Yi, expressionless, withdrew his hand.
“Do you know what you did wrong?”
Wei Zifu murmured, “I know.”
“And what was your mistake?” Yang Yi narrowed his eyes.
Wei Zifu replied softly, “Not mentioning your name earlier…”
Yang Yi nodded. “And why didn’t you?”
“My name in the Great Zhou might not shake Luoyang, but it’ll at least stop the children from crying.”
Wei Zifu responded shyly, “I was afraid of causing you trouble, Prime Minister.”
Realizing that she might have spoken out of turn, she quickly added, “I didn’t mean that you’re afraid of trouble, Prime Minister. I just… didn’t want to burden you.”
Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, resisting the urge to scold her further. He understood her thoughts. Smiling, he reassured her.
“Next time, don’t think like that. Your Prime Minister in Luoyang can handle anyone.”
“Yes, Prime Minister,” Wei Zifu whispered.
“Good,” Yang Yi nodded. “Now, bend over.”
Wei Zifu’s fair face turned crimson as she bit her lip. “More punishment?”
Yang Yi replied firmly, “To help you remember.”