Volume 1, Chapter 19: Disguise and Strategy

Not only did she not suffer harm, she actually managed to defuse the situation. Xie Chanyan looked at this reckless little thing before him with a complicated expression, truly tempted to strike her down.

“Who gave you permission to come near me?”

Ye Yuntang saw his anger flare and felt a surge of anxiety, yet she stubbornly refused to let go.

“Your Majesty, you promised me that as long as you do not kill me, I have a way to prevent your hundred-thousand-strong army from perishing in the northern desert!” Ye Yuntang declared with solemn certainty.

At her words, Xie Chanyan stepped back and resumed his seat on the dragon throne. Raising his eyelids lazily, he looked at her coolly. “Speak.”

Ye Yuntang lifted her head, meeting Xie Chanyan’s gaze directly. “I overheard some discussions just now and have since formed some thoughts.”

“Currently, the court is divided between the war faction and the peace faction. Once war begins, countless innocent lives and the very foundation of the nation will be at stake. Our Great Qi has just endured internal strife and now faces external conflicts. Our treasury is depleted, and if we rashly engage in war again, the supply of funds and resources will be unsustainable. Ultimately, it is the people who suffer.”

“Therefore, I propose a compromise. May I speak?”

As she spoke, Ye Yuntang glanced sideways at Xie Chanyan, her eyes both cautiously probing and tinged with hope.

Xie Chanyan regarded her intently, his gaze scrutinizing and searching. After a moment of silence, he said, “I pardon you. Speak.”

Ye Yuntang took a small step forward, folding her hands gently before her, and spoke softly:

“The northern desert lies amidst boundless sands. Although its people are robust, famed for their fierce cavalry and fine warhorses, they suffer greatly from water scarcity. Water is the key.”

“There is a river flowing continuously all year round along our border with the northern desert. I propose that we divert half of this river’s water to them as a bargaining chip to negotiate a ceasefire. This could be a feasible plan.”

“First, it would relieve the northern desert’s water shortage and demonstrate our sincerity. Second, it would prevent further bloodshed, sparing the people from the ravages of war. Third, it would allow Great Qi to recuperate and rebuild.”

“What does Your Majesty think of this plan?”

Ye Yuntang’s voice was gentle and melodious, yet her words were clear and resolute, echoing in the chamber.

Xie Chanyan narrowed his eyes slightly, lost in thought. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of the dragon throne, a deep sound that seemed to weigh the pros and cons of her suggestion.

After a long pause, he looked up, locking his gaze on her. “I have considered this before, but how can you ensure the northerners will keep their promise? Once they have the water, they will want more. Am I to cede land and make concessions as well?”

Ye Yuntang had anticipated this question and answered calmly:

“When negotiating, we can draft a detailed, binding contract. At the same time, we could initiate trade with the northern desert, exchanging our silks and teas for their cattle, sheep, and horses. This would foster cooperation and further solidify peace.”

“Moreover, the northerners are not adept at fortifications. We could control the water distribution by constructing irrigation works, ensuring the water is shared but not given entirely, keeping them dependent on us and discouraging them from waging war recklessly.”

She pondered a moment before adding, “Of course, this is only a temporary measure. Any treaty is momentary. Great Qi can use this breathing room to strengthen our defenses, so if war arises again, we need not despair.”

Xie Chanyan’s eyes flickered with a hint of admiration. Yet he did not respond immediately. Instead, he turned to the shadows where someone else stood and asked, “Tang Qing, what do you think of the Empress’s proposal?”

Ye Yuntang was startled. She had thought it was just the two of them in the hall. Apparently, there was someone else concealed—perhaps even more.

After a long while, a voice came from the darkness: “Your Majesty, while the Empress’s proposal carries risks, given the current situation, it is a course worth considering. However, the details must be carefully deliberated, and negotiations with the northern desert approached with utmost caution.”

Xie Chanyan nodded. “Then I entrust this matter to you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After the sound of footsteps faded, Ye Yuntang looked at Xie Chanyan. “There really are many people hiding in this palace!”

Xie Chanyan appraised her from head to toe. “What, afraid?”

Ye Yuntang breathed a sigh of relief and grabbed the teacup on the table, drinking it in one go.

“Afraid of what? Now, I am in the same boat as Your Majesty.”

Xie Chanyan’s gaze lingered on the pink lipstick mark left on the cup—the same spot he had just used. A subtle, unreadable expression flickered across his face.

Ye Yuntang noticed his stare and followed his line of sight, realizing that in her haste she had left such a clear mark on the cup. Her cheeks flushed slightly. She instinctively raised a hand to wipe it, but thinking such an act too deliberate, she slowly lowered her hand again.

“Your Majesty,” she cleared her throat, trying to break the awkward silence, “what I just said comes from my heart. Given the complexity of the court’s situation, now that I stand with you, I have no second thoughts.”

“This lip mark… was my momentary lapse.”

Her voice carried a hint of embarrassment. She wondered whether Xie Chanyan would punish her for this.

Xie Chanyan shifted his gaze from the cup back to Ye Yuntang.

“In the same boat?” His tone rose slightly, tinged with mild sarcasm. “The Empress’s words sound so easy, but when the storm truly rises, some might jump ship to save themselves.”

Ye Yuntang frowned slightly, a flash of displeasure crossing her face. “Does Your Majesty doubt me? Having chosen to stand with you through thick and thin, I have long set aside life and death.”

“If Your Majesty still harbors doubts, I do not know how else to prove my loyalty.”

Her tone held both grievance and stubbornness, yet her eyes met his openly and honestly.

Xie Chanyan was silent for a moment before slowly rising and pacing to stand before her.

Looking down on her with an aura of authority, his presence made Ye Yuntang instinctively shrink back.

“It is good that the Empress has the heart. I only remind you that though the palace appears calm, beneath the surface currents surge. One false step and there is no redemption.”

“Do not forget the circumstances on the day you arrived. If you choose sides, choosing me means certain death.”