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The hall fell into a deadly silence. Everyone stared at Yang Yi, their scalps tingling and their expressions filled with shock.

A prodigy! This strategy was simply unprecedented, even though it had a hint of sinister cunning.

Li Yifu’s eyes widened. How could he come up with this? Had they all been fooled by this young man’s plan?

Wu Zhao’s eyes reflected astonishment. Her rosy lips almost couldn’t close. Who would have thought that Yang Yi’s sand-mixing measure was to prevent exploitation by corrupt officials?

In retrospect, those pampered officials who were used to fine grains wouldn’t be tempted by sand-laden provisions.

This strategy was truly ingenious, even if it bordered on ruthlessness, and it burdened the famine-stricken people. But survival was their greatest blessing! Who among ordinary people could think of such a move?

Empress Wu Zhao took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she looked at Yang Yi. “So you really have made a contribution,” she said.

Yang Yi smiled faintly. “The disaster relief grain has been delivered to the affected areas. Aside from the corrupt officials, there were also well-fed wealthy households who pretended to be famine victims and tried to claim the relief grain. But with sand mixed into the grain, they won’t be able to eat it…”

“In the beginning, there may be impostors claiming relief, but over time their numbers will dwindle. In this way, we can ensure that every grain of aid reaches the hands of the real victims…”

The crowd listened in stunned silence. Who would have thought that sand would have this additional purpose?

Li Yifu’s face turned a shade of green and black.

Now, Yang Yi’s alleged corruption could be easily resolved with a simple investigation. More importantly, Yang Yi’s action had solved the disaster and eased the people’s suffering. That was the real priority. This was a demonstration of ability.

Worst of all, didn’t it make the “old guard” look inadequate compared to a rising star like Yang Yi?

The disaster relief efforts had been dragging on under Li Yifu’s command, unable to resolve the crisis.

He had even needed to ask the emperor for more grain. But when Yang Yi stepped in, he solved the problem effortlessly—such a stark contrast.

Empress Wu Zhao was stunned for a moment, then excitedly patted the dragon throne.

“Well done! No wonder the Capital Region has been quiet these days. You’ve already dealt with the disaster situation. Yang Yi, you have earned great merit.”

The gazes of those around Yang Yi immediately changed. No one had expected him to have such methods.

His strategy was truly ingenious, skillfully manipulating the corrupt officials.

“I get it now. Yang Yi is truly inscrutable.”

“Yes. I always knew that he wasn’t that simple.”

“Your Majesty’s discerning eye is impressive.”

“Although this plan goes beyond conventional wisdom, if it solves the problem, it’s a good strategy!”

Many praised him, their eyes filled with awe as they looked at Yang Yi.

Li Yifu’s face flushed, each word of praise hitting him like a slap. Seething frustration bubbled up in his chest.

“Well… Your Majesty, we shouldn’t rely on his word alone,” Li Yifu blurted out, consumed by jealousy and anger.

The hall fell silent. Many stared at Li Yifu in surprise, realizing that the Finance Minister seemed to have a bone to pick with Yang Yi.

Although Yang Yi hadn’t intentionally provoked Li Yifu, his effective handling of the disaster relief reflected poorly on Li Yifu.

Empress Wu Zhao furrowed her brow and cast a cold glance at Li Yifu. Startled, Li Yifu suddenly realized that jealousy had clouded his judgement, leading to this unseemly outburst.

Li Yifu felt a twinge of anger. But for a high-ranking official like him to admit a mistake? Impossible.

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to speak.

“I’ve heard that there is widespread discontent among the people in Zhengzhou and other regions. This may be true, but perhaps we should investigate thoroughly. We can’t just rely on Yang Yi’s report.”

Yang Yi raised an eyebrow.

“Those impostors who ate sand are naturally dissatisfied. But when Li Yifu speaks of widespread discontent, is he referring to the truly affected citizens or the opportunistic wealthy households and corrupt officials?”

“You…” Li Yifu choked up, his face flushing with frustration.

Just then, an attendant hurriedly entered. “Your Majesty, urgent news from the capital region.”

The room fell silent, all eyes on the attendant. Empress Wu Zhao’s curiosity was piqued. “What happened?”

The attendant handed over a crumpled piece of cloth, the writing faded and worn.

“The affected people in the Capital Region and beyond have heard that Commissioner Yang Yi is being escorted back to the capital. Their emotions are stirred, and they have gathered in large numbers to petition Your Majesty for justice on behalf of Commissioner Yang Yi…”

A collective gasp went through the room as everyone stared at Yang Yi in shock.

This young man had truly made an impact in the Capital Region; how else could he have garnered such widespread support?

Li Yifu’s face darkened. He had just mentioned the public sentiment survey, and now it had arrived! Damn it! This was a huge blow to his credibility.

Empress Wu Zhao’s own surprise mirrored that of the others. She looked at Yang Yi with newfound admiration.

It seemed that Yang Yi had indeed performed admirably in the Capital Region.

Thanks to his efforts, what could have been a disaster in handling the relief efforts had instantly turned into a heartwarming example of unity between officials and the people.

It was truly a textbook case of disaster relief and rescue!

Empress Wu Zhao’s satisfaction with Yang Yi grew. She nodded slightly, her porcelain chin lifting. “The people’s feelings are clear. I’ve seen it,” she said. “Yang Qing, you have done well. I am pleased.”

Yang Yi bowed. “It is my duty, Your Majesty.”

Envious and jealous glances followed Yang Yi. Having gained the Empress’s attention, he was now firmly entrenched in her favour. Promotion and wealth were surely within his grasp.

…

The morning court session ended. Yang Yi prepared to leave. But then Lady Shangguan appeared in front of him.

“Master Yang, please wait. The Empress requests your presence…”

Yang Yi blinked. The Empress wanted to see him?

He glanced at the system, which showed a nearly thirty thousand point increase in his “Toxicity” score. He nodded slightly.

These days, the sand-mixing incident had significantly increased his toxicity score. He had planned to explore the system’s shop, but now that the Empress had summoned him, he had no choice but to meet her.

Only one question remained: What did the Empress want?