Chapter 15: The King of Qi (Part 5)

Zou Ji had only been in the State of Qi for a few months and lacked a solid foundation in the court, leaving him isolated and without allies.

Those envious of him soon emerged from the shadows, intent on destroying him.

One false accusation after another crashed over him like relentless waves, threatening to overwhelm him completely.

At that moment, the Qi King, seated high within the palace hall, spoke.

Her words echoed through the chamber—not loud, yet thunderous, deafening all who heard.

“Eject every official who accuses the Prime Minister and execute them by beheading as a public warning.”

The surging waves were instantly calmed, as if a colossal hand had pressed down from the heavens.

No matter how treacherous the intrigue, it all came down to her single decree.

The power of life and death rested solely in her hands.

The Qi King descended from her throne and, before the assembled ministers, approached Zou Ji.

It was like the sun casting its divine light upon one chosen person—a supreme honor beyond measure.

Under the watchful eyes of all, the King clasped Zou Ji’s hand and declared, “I have Zou Ji as Duke Huan of Qi had Guan Zhong. From now on, no one shall speak ill of the Prime Minister.”

Such high praise sent shockwaves through the entire court.

Zou Ji himself was deeply moved, his heart ablaze as if molten lava were surging within him.

A scholar dies for those who truly appreciate him; he vowed to devote everything to his sovereign.

......................................................................

The performance concluded perfectly, and Yun Yao left the court with great satisfaction.

In truth, she had considered killing that official outright the day before, but that would not have served as a sufficient deterrent.

Moreover, the number of those jealous of Zou Ji was certainly more than one; they all lurked in the shadows and were difficult to root out.

Thus, she cast a long line to catch a big fish, deliberately allowing that official to lead the impeachment in court.

Sure enough, one by one they revealed themselves, and she swept them all away in a single net.

More importantly, she intended to place Zou Ji in dire straits before showing him mercy.

After this ordeal, he would surely dedicate himself entirely to her cause, loyal unto death.

With his loyalty secured, Yun Yao comfortably returned to her leisure.

Unless urgent matters arose, she rarely attended court, appearing at most once a month.

Zou Ji came to the palace daily to report on court affairs.

Yun Yao often kept him behind to enjoy flowers and wine together, bestowing great favor upon him.

Everything proceeded normally until one night, after she fell asleep drunk, she awoke to find Zou Ji hastily averting his gaze, as if he had been staring at her for a long time.

......................................................................

“Minister, what are you looking at?” Yun Yao asked.

Zou Ji lowered his head and said, “I have offended Your Majesty; please forgive me.”

Yun Yao smiled gently.

She sat where she was and beckoned him over.

Zou Ji knelt before her.

Yun Yao lightly caressed his face, then grasped his chin with one hand while raising a cup of wine with the other, smiling, “Then your punishment is to fill this cup.”

Her tone was calm, her smile approachable, making one question if they had misheard.

Yet the desire in her eyes was unmistakable, compelling and clear beyond doubt.

It was precisely this that shocked him, making him unable to believe his ears.

Zou Ji fidgeted nervously, his ears flushed red.

Yun Yao asked, “Prime Minister, why haven’t you started? Would you like me to help you?”

She smiled faintly, seeming the understanding and benevolent sovereign.

“Very well, then I shall assist you.”

The palace attendants respectfully lowered the curtains and stood guard outside.

Within the enclosed space, soft breathing began to emerge. Fine wine filled golden cups, placed atop the table alongside lychees, cherries, and assorted dried fruits brought as tribute.

The voice of the monarch drifted through the hall: “Minister, another cup.”

The wine flowed freely, the cups never empty—a banquet where host and guest delighted together.

......................................................................

The next day, at dawn’s first light, Yun Yao still slept soundly in bed while others had already risen.

Zou Ji donned his court robes and bowed deeply to her bedside. “Your Majesty, I am off to court.”

His figure was tall and graceful, like a towering cedar.

Yun Yao waved to him.

He slowly withdrew from the chamber.

Yun Yao slept on for a long time; by the time she awoke, the court session had already ended.

Zou Ji had efficiently handled state affairs and returned to report to her, taking the opportunity to recommend several worthy talents.

Yun Yao approved them all, rewarding him with many treasures, then held his hand and lavished him with praise.

Zou Ji was deeply moved and vowed to rise early and rest late, striving never to disappoint His Majesty’s expectations.

Under his stewardship, the State of Qi grew ever stronger, and politics became clear and honest.

......................................................................

With state affairs managed by the Prime Minister, Yun Yao naturally focused on pleasure and amusement.

Recently, she acquired three swift steeds and hosted a horse race, adopting a best two out of three format.

These horses were exquisite breeds, selected over generations, swift as the wind and unbeaten.

Yun Yao was delighted and declared she would gift the horses to the winner.

Invincibility breeds loneliness; the joy comes with the thrill of both victory and defeat!

The great general Tian Ji, famed for his love of horses, repeatedly challenged her but never won.

Two months later, he challenged again.

Yun Yao, of course, competed to the end but unexpectedly lost two rounds.

She readily gave the three horses to Tian Ji and laughed, “You lost countless times in the past two months, yet this time you’ve won. Surely a master has guided you?”

Tian Ji sighed, “Nothing escapes Your Majesty’s notice! It was an idea from one of my retainers. He said that my three horses are close in speed to Yours. So I matched my lowest-quality horse against Your finest, my finest against Your middle, and my middle against Your lowest. This stratagem is a bit cunning; I hope Your Majesty will forgive me.”

He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed.

Yun Yao praised him, “To conceive such a scheme is talent indeed. Bring him to me.”

Soon, the sound of wheels approached from afar.

A young man of delicate appearance, slightly frail, was pushed forward in a wheelchair.

Yun Yao appraised him from head to toe and asked, “What is your name?”

The young man bowed, “I am Sun Bin.”

A flash of surprise lit Yun Yao’s eyes, followed by admiration.

“General Tian Ji says your plan was somewhat crafty, but I believe that sacrificing part for the whole victory shows foresight and great strategic vision.”

A spark brightened Sun Bin’s dark eyes.

Yun Yao asked, “Would you be willing to serve as a military strategist, accompanying the army on campaigns to offer advice?”

Sun Bin was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed with passion, “I am willing to sacrifice my life for Your Majesty without hesitation!”

Being disabled, he had been passed over wherever he went, falling into despair.

But when he learned that the Prime Minister of Qi had once been a mere lute player, hope rekindled within him.

He came to Qi and was truly recognized by the King.

Though many said the Qi King was whimsical, to him she was a sovereign who valued talent regardless of convention.

Only such a ruler deserved to dominate the world!

Yun Yao laughed heartily, “Today I gained you through three swift steeds, much like Duke Mu of Qin exchanged five sheepskins for Baili Xi. Truly, I am the victor!”