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

Chapter 2: Mixing sand into disaster relief grain? That guy’s a traitor!

After the Poison Expert System is awakened, the host can accumulate Poison Expert Points by employing poisonous tactics that manipulate the emotions of those around them.

These points are then redeemable in the system store, which boasts a diverse array of items.

With sufficient Poison Expert Points, one could potentially achieve immortality or even ascend to the status of a revered ancestor.

Yang Yi recognized an opportunity and boldly stepped forward, seeing a chance to accumulate a substantial amount of Poison Expert Points.

The hall fell into an eerie silence as all eyes turned towards him.

Among the onlookers, Li Yifu observed Yang Yi with a calm demeanor, while nearby officials displayed a range of reactions—some sneered, some sighed, some scoffed, and so forth.

Was this esteemed scholar now acting foolishly? Was entering this precarious situation truly that simple?

Wu Zhao, her expression complex, had not anticipated that the one to step forward would be the top scholar she had recently acknowledged.

Among the seasoned courtiers, not a single newcomer in their early twenties dared to take such a bold step.

In her hour of need, only Yang Yi had offered his service willingly, softening the Empress’s icy heart.

She paused for a moment before addressing him.

“Mr. Yang, your concern for the country is deeply appreciated. However, as a newcomer to the court, you lack experience in matters of disaster relief. Let us reconsider,” she advised, her words surprising the assembled court.

Was the Empress protecting Yang Yi from potential repercussions?

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Li Yifu’s gaze narrowed slightly, a trace of envy surfacing.

He hadn’t expected that his oversight would pave the way for a young upstart to seize such an opportunity.

Yang Yi’s audacity had evidently won favour with the Emperor to the extent that His Majesty now exempted him from frontline duties.

Yang Yi, who had unexpectedly gained favour without risking any danger, found himself in a fortunate position.

The palpable envy from the onlookers weighed heavily on him amidst their scrutinizing gazes.

But Yang Yi himself was confused.

Was this some kind of joke? He had seized this opportunity to earn merit points, only for the Empress to initially deny him the chance?

He hastily pleaded, “The disaster is severe, and the people are suffering. I, your humble servant, I’m wholeheartedly devoted to our country. I implore Your Majesty not to refuse…”

Empress Wu Zhao fell silent.

She had never encountered such a loyal and patriotic subject before.

Her reign was still young, and she lacked true confidants. Yang Yi, with his clean background and courage, could potentially become one of her trusted advisors.

Her gaze softened.

“In that case, I will not stop you,” she declared. “I appoint you as the Imperial Envoy for Disaster Relief in the Capital Region. The entire responsibility for disaster relief affairs in the Capital Region will be entrusted to you.”

Yang Yi’s heart leapt with joy, and he immediately replied, “Your humble servant accepts the decree!”

The court officials looked at each other in shock.

Was the Emperor truly disregarding caution? Entrusting such a critical matter to a young and inexperienced envoy?

However, none dared to voice objections. As long as someone else bore the responsibility, they were content to watch from the sidelines.

The relationship between the Great Zhou Empire and the Great Tang were closely intertwined.

Therefore, the administrative systems of the Great Zhou Empire bore many similarities to those of the Great Tang.

In addition to the county system, the Great Zhou Empire introduced a provincial level of administration, establishing a three-tier system comprising province, state, and county.

The areas most affected by flooding in the capital region included places like Zhengzhou.

After receiving the Empress’s decree, Yang Yi immediately mobilized the granaries and took charge of the disaster relief.

…

Ten days later, in the Great Zhou Empire, within the Qianyuan Temple.

“Strange, the Zhengzhou officials haven’t requested grain in the past few days…”

“Could it be that the disaster situation in the capital region has eased?”

“Is this Yang Yi really capable?”

Empress Wu Zhao pinched the monument in front of her, somewhat surprised.

Lady Shangguan, standing beside her, poured a pot of hot tea for the Empress with a smile full of amusement.

“This is all thanks to Your Majesty’s discerning eye,” Lady Shangguan remarked.

Empress Wu Zhao raised her eyebrows. “No need to flatter me.”

“But this Yang Yi, among other things, has some courage.”

“If he manages this situation well, I will certainly reward him.”

“Humph, the entire court, both civilian and military, seems to wither in the face of a crisis…”

“With all the salaries I give them every year, and yet, in the end, a rookie has to handle this matter. Truly ridiculous.”

Lady Shangguan stifled a smile. “Nevertheless, Your Majesty has discovered a remarkable talent.”

Empress Wu Zhao’s elegant face revealed a faint smile.

“As long as he doesn’t mishandle this matter too badly, even if he becomes the target of those corrupt officials, I will protect him.”

“Huh. It’s rare for the Great Zhou Empire to produce an official with both courage and integrity.”

Just then, urgent footsteps echoed through the hall.

“Your Majesty, Li Yifu, Minister of Finance, requests an audience. He claims there is an urgent report regarding the disaster…”

A palace maid hurriedly entered.

Empress Wu Zhao’s eyebrows furrowed. She spoke in a stern tone.

“Let him in.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Moments later, Li Yifu rushed in with a grim expression.

“Your Majesty, there has been an incident in the capital region!”

Empress Wu Zhao’s heart sank. She demanded, “What happened?”

Li Yifu’s eyes flashed with a hint of smugness, his expression turned serious.

“I report to Your Majesty that Zhengzhou and other regions have been severely affected by the disaster. Hundreds of thousands of starving victims have nothing to eat. The local granaries are badly damaged and unable to provide enough grain. That’s why the court had to allocate relief grain. However, after Your Majesty appointed Yang Yi as the disaster relief envoy, this bold Yang Yi dared to mix sand into the high-quality relief grain. Undoubtedly, he embezzled some for himself. The food distributed to the victims was shamefully wasted, causing widespread public anger. His actions harm the country and its people, and tarnish Your Majesty’s reputation…”

“What?!” Empress Wu Zhao’s eyes widened in shock.

The man she had just praised as a remarkable talent had committed such an absurd act?

Mixing sand into relief grain? Not only was he corrupt, but he was also sabotaging the very relief efforts meant to help the suffering populace. It was beyond greed—it was sheer recklessness.

“You are truly the King of Hell incarnate!” Her heart sank.

She could imagine that once those disaster victims received the grain mixed with sand, they would surely curse the court for its incompetence and curse her for being a confused ruler!

Empress Wu Zhao gritted her teeth in anger.

“Where is this man’s conscience? He’s clearly a traitorous official!”