Chapter 123: Convincing the Emperor to Join the Cause
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Even someone as well-versed and worldly as Yu Zhi Yi found herself utterly stunned by the turn of events.
The Great Sheng Empire had been established for centuries. Before its name was changed, back when it was simply called Sheng, the title of Imperial Advisor had never existed. The role carried immense weight—far beyond its lofty sound. Though it was not a formal governmental position, the Imperial Advisor had direct access to the Emperor, wielding influence over his decisions. In many ways, this power surpassed that of the Chancellor, who operated within the constraints of bureaucratic regulations.
But the Imperial Advisor? Their actions were perceived to follow only the mysterious dictates of “heaven’s will.” Yet, what was “heaven’s will”? How could anyone be certain that the Advisor’s proclamations weren’t fabrications of their own design?
Historically, during the waning years of the previous dynasty, the debauched and superstitious last Emperor—terrified of death—had placed his faith in mystics to secure his immortality. Among them was one who held the title of Imperial Advisor. Whether or not this Advisor possessed any genuine abilities was debatable, but their influence led to an explosion of temple constructions under imperial mandate. In just a few short years, hundreds of temples sprang up across the land. Farmers abandoned their fields to pursue cultivation, leaving the empire destitute and its people starving. The land fell into chaos.
When Sheng rose to power, the position of Imperial Advisor was abolished, deemed a symbol of the previous dynasty’s folly.
Now, Yu Zhi Yi was being offered this very title out of nowhere. To her, it felt less like an honor and more like being served a bowl of poisoned porridge. What was she supposed to do?
“Your Majesty,” Yu Zhi Yi began calmly, “I am ill-suited for such a heavy responsibility. Moreover, the Mystic Sect has strict rules forbidding its members from meddling in court affairs. I must humbly ask Your Majesty to retract this decree.”
The title of Fifth-Rank Official in the Ministry of Justice was manageable. Her duties were confined to justice-related matters, and as long as she refrained from overstepping, she wouldn’t violate her sect’s tenets. Becoming the Imperial Advisor, however, was an entirely different matter. The political entanglements alone would be overwhelming, not to mention the complications arising from her status as the Chancellor’s daughter-in-law.
In her previous life, she had cultivated Zhang Tian Shun into a capable leader. Their growth had been mutual; as she guided him, she herself learned the art of balance and governance. However, while his role as a military commander allowed him relative autonomy, she was now navigating an entirely different dynamic, where she was the one being managed. Her focus had shifted to achieving balance upward—a balance of powers above her.
All she wanted was to accumulate enough merit to ascend to immortality. Why was this path becoming so arduous?
Yu Zhi Yi let out an inaudible sigh.
The Emperor arched an eyebrow, while Princess Feng Xiang rolled her eyes dramatically. “Are you stupid?” the Princess blurted. “This is wealth and honor beyond imagination! Anyone else would have been delirious with joy by now!”
Unfazed by the Princess’s outburst, Yu Zhi Yi remained resolute. “Your Majesty, members of the Mystic Sect cannot casually involve themselves in state affairs. The karmic consequences are far-reaching. Furthermore, cultivation itself defies the natural order, and when one reaches a certain level, heavenly tribulations are inevitable. If I were to become the Imperial Advisor, my fate would be tied to the empire’s. When the time for my tribulation arrives, the Great Sheng Empire would suffer alongside me.”
Merit was her goal, but the karmic weight of an entire nation’s destiny was far too much for her to bear. And she wasn’t lying. Accepting this position would irrevocably bind her to the empire’s fate: as it prospered, so would she; as it declined, she would suffer. Helping the empire through crises would require an unimaginable expenditure of her energy and spiritual resources—resources she simply didn’t have to spare.
She’d learned this the hard way, watching her senior martial uncle’s fate.
“For the sake of the empire and its people, I implore Your Majesty to reconsider.”
Her words carried an air of finality. To persist further would be unseemly.
The Emperor studied her intently for a long moment before relenting. “Very well. Then continue as a Fifth-Rank Official in the Ministry of Justice.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said, bowing gracefully.
This time, she did not decline. Recent events had shown her how useful an official title could be. Without it, resolving the Gaoliang County situation would have been far more cumbersome. Her token alone had been enough to intimidate troublemakers and facilitate progress.
“Oh, that reminds me,” she added, remembering her original reason for coming to the palace. Regardless of whether the Emperor had summoned her today, she had planned to see him.
“Your Majesty, I have established a charity called Graceful Phoenix Charity to assist those in need. However, my resources are limited. May I borrow some of Your Majesty’s men?”
The Emperor’s eyebrow rose again. “You’re doing good deeds and want my people to work for you?”
Yu Zhi Yi remained unflappable. “It’s not merely for myself, Your Majesty, but for the Great Sheng Empire and for you. I believe that only when the suffering common folk live better lives can the empire truly flourish.”
The Emperor chuckled, though his tone was tinged with exasperation. “You’ve certainly dressed up your request nicely. What an excuse to make me work for free!”
“How could Your Majesty think so?” she replied earnestly. “As your subject, my actions reflect upon you. The people will credit Your Majesty for the charity’s deeds. If I could manage on my own, I would never trouble Your Majesty.”
Her face was placid, but her words carried a brazen confidence that left the Emperor nearly rolling his eyes. “Yu Zhi Yi, your tongue is as sharp as a sword,” he muttered.
With a dismissive gesture, he tossed a gold token at her. “Take this. When you encounter problems you cannot resolve, present this token. It signifies that the matter is now under my direct authority.”
The token’s inscription read: “As If The Emperor Himself Arrived.”
The Emperor’s gaze turned sharp. “If you misuse this for any wicked purpose, I will not spare you.”
Yu Zhi Yi regarded the token with surprise before bowing. “Your Majesty, rest assured that I will never betray your trust or tarnish your name.”
The Emperor waved her off. “Go now. The men you requested will be sent to your residence shortly.”
Yu Zhi Yi’s lips curled into a rare smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Watching her leave, Princess Feng Xiang exclaimed in disbelief, “Mother, what just happened? Father actually gave her the token? She turned down the Imperial Advisor position but accepted the gold token?” Her tone turned indignant. “I thought she was some selfless saint! Turns out she’s just greedy!”
The Empress frowned. “Mind your words. Your father knows what he’s doing.”
Though inwardly, even she felt uneasy, she dared not voice her doubts before the Emperor. Hastily, she rebuked her daughter to avoid stirring his ire.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhi Yi, holding the gold token, felt deeply satisfied. This had been her primary goal all along. She had sought imperial acknowledgment for Graceful Phoenix Charity, hoping to shield it from potential threats. After all, Red Luan had warned her that the charity’s success would provoke envy and sabotage from countless adversaries.
Now, with the Emperor as a de facto partner, she had secured a powerful shield. The merits from their good deeds would benefit her, Red Luan, and the charity’s workers, while the Emperor would bask in public adoration. It was an elegant solution to many problems.
She paused abruptly, frowning at the sight of a flamboyant man blocking her path. His movements were so exaggeratedly serpentine that his figure seemed almost liquid as he approached.
Yu Zhi Yi’s brow furrowed in confusion. “?”