I, Am a Living Yama; Empress Advises Me to Stay Calm
Chapter 170

Chapter 170: Intensifying Inner Fears!

“Take a look at General Heichi’s report.”

Wu Zhao crossed her arms and narrowed her phoenix eyes.

Before her stood only a handful of high-ranking officials—Yang Yi, Xu Jingzong, Wei Yuanzhong, Song Jing, and Zhang Jianzhi.

As the report was passed around, the officials’ expressions turned strange.

Once they had all finished reading, Wu Zhao’s gaze grew solemn.

“Yue Fei has somehow managed to persuade Zhao Ji and has been granted command of nearly two hundred thousand troops. He has already clashed with Heichi Changzhi several times, forcing some of the Song Dynasty’s northern forces to be redeployed.

“At present, Heichi Changzhi commands fewer than 150,000 troops. Moreover, Yue Fei is an extraordinary military genius, and Heichi has already suffered several defeats at his hands,” she continued.

“Yue Fei’s reputation in the Song Dynasty is exceptionally high, and the people of the north are beginning to stir once more. If we suffer a few more defeats, there is a real possibility that Yue Fei will reclaim the northern territories. Heichi Changzhi has requested reinforcements…”

She paused before sighing.

“However, the majority of Great Zhou’s forces are currently scattered across the former Qing territories, the Turkic regions, and other key areas. If we withdraw troops from those regions, there’s no guarantee that unrest won’t break out again,” she added, a hint of helplessness in her voice.

This was the burden of success.

For a nation as small as Zhou to have, in such a short time, annexed Qing, the Turkic lands, and half of the Song Dynasty—more than doubling its territory—was nothing short of astonishing. However, the rapid expansion made it difficult to maintain control, and now, with the rise of a brilliant general like Yue Fei, the pressure on Great Zhou had only increased.

Xu Jingzong stroked his beard, frowning. “So Yue Fei has taken advantage of our preoccupation with the Turks, knowing that our forces are stretched thin, and is attempting to reclaim those lands while we are unable to respond effectively? This man is indeed decisive.”

The officials nodded in agreement. The enemy clearly understood that Great Zhou was struggling to manage its vast new territories and had chosen this moment to strike. It was indeed an opportune time for the Song Dynasty.

Zhang Jianzhi furrowed his brow. “Your Majesty, we fought hard to secure the northern Song territories. If they are taken back now, it would deal a severe blow to our army’s morale. Why not recruit another batch of soldiers and send them there?”

Wu Zhao shook her head, a trace of concern in her phoenix eyes.

“The reason the Song Dynasty collapsed so quickly before was due to the incompetence of its generals,” she said. “But now, with a commander like Yue Fei, and with the northern people eagerly awaiting his return.

“Sending fresh recruits would do nothing but add to his list of victories. Against such a legendary general, they would be little more than cannon fodder. If we suffer a few more defeats, the north will surely be lost.”

A heavy silence fell over the hall.

The officials understood the Empress’s hesitation. After all, it had only been six months since they had taken the northern territories from the Song Dynasty.

How could the Song people possibly have been subdued so quickly?

If Great Zhou lost a few more battles, Yue Fei would become a beacon of hope for them. It would not be surprising if the people themselves rose in rebellion, answering his call.

At that point, Heichi Changzhi would not only be facing Yue Fei’s army but also a collapsing rear. If a pincer attack were to form, even the untrained commoners of the north would be enough to overwhelm him.

The officials exchanged troubled glances.

Wei Yuanzhong furrowed his brow. “If that’s the case, should we redeploy troops from the Turkic regions and Qing?”

Wu Zhao let out a bitter chuckle, shaking her head.

“The Turkic and Qing territories have not been under our rule much longer than the northern Song lands. If we withdraw too many troops, those regions might erupt in rebellion as well.

“The Qing territories are somewhat stable for now. I recently established steel mills there, ensuring the people are well-fed and clothed. But the Turks… they are another matter entirely. Keeping them in check is already a delicate balancing act.

“If our forces there are weakened, those defiant Turks may rise in revolt once again. Especially after we enacted the ‘change of attire and hairstyle’ decree… Many Turks were killed because of it.”

Another wave of silence settled over the court as the officials exchanged helpless glances.

They could not afford to weaken the Turkic front either.

Then how were they to deal with Yue Fei?

Zhang Jianzhi hesitated. “We can’t just surrender the northern Song territories back to them, can we?”

The court fell into deep contemplation.

Just then, Wu Zhao turned her gaze to Yang Yi, who had been sitting quietly with his eyes closed.

“Minister Yang,” she called, “do you have a strategy to resolve this crisis?”

The officials snapped out of their thoughts and turned toward Yang Yi, their expressions somewhat peculiar.

How could they have nearly forgotten about this living Yama?

Yang Yi raised an eyebrow and cupped his hands in salute.

“Your Majesty, I do indeed have a plan.

“Since the northern Song territories have already fallen into our hands, we must not allow the Song army to reclaim them.”

His words rang with certainty, immediately invigorating the court.

Xu Jingzong’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Minister Yang, what sinister scheme do you have in mind? Quickly, tell us—I am eager to witness it.”

The other officials also looked at him expectantly. Though Yang Yi’s strategies were often ruthless, there was no denying their effectiveness. And in their current predicament, they were utterly without solutions.

Wu Zhao’s gaze sharpened with interest.

“Speak, Minister Yang.”

Yang Yi smiled slightly, meeting the eager eyes around him.

“In the past six months, Yue Fei has inflicted heavy defeats upon the Liao and Jin forces, restoring the prestige of the Song Dynasty. Had he not done so, Zhao Ji would never have entrusted him with such authority.

“To the people of the north, Yue Fei is like an oasis appearing before a dying traveler—he is their hope. They firmly believe that Yue Fei will reclaim the northern lands.

“The people of the north, having seen such a great general rise in their nation, will undoubtedly be filled with anticipation. Even though Zhao Ji once abandoned them, as long as Yue Fei reclaims the north, they will still see themselves as subjects of the Song Dynasty.

“If Yue Fei continues to win victories against our forces, it is possible that the northern populace will rise in rebellion on their own, answering his call and launching an assault from within.

“If that happens, Heichi Changzhi will not only face Yue Fei’s army but also a collapsing rear. If our forces become trapped between them, Great Zhou will be in grave danger.”