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The attendant announced, “Your Majesty, Yang Hanlin has arrived…”

Lady Shangguan bowed slightly.

As the newly crowned top scholar, Yang Yi had rightfully been appointed as a compiler at Hanlin Academy. Addressing him as Yang Hanlin was quite appropriate.

Behind the curtain, a graceful figure sat dressed in a robe adorned with faint golden dragon patterns—a regal ensemble of red and gold. Empress Wu Zhao’s magnetic voice echoed through the hall.

“Grant Yang Yi a seat…”

An attentive palace maid promptly brought a stool. Yang Yi expressed his gratitude and sat down, his demeanor unflappable.

In truth, he had only glimpsed the Empress from afar since his arrival in this world—during the palace investigation, to be exact.

The historical empress fascinated him. Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her admiration for Yang Yi evident.

“You handled the disaster relief exceptionally well—cleanly and efficiently, with a unique approach,” she praised.

“Being confined to the Hanlin Academy is a waste of your talents. Why not work by my side?” Wu Zhao suggested.

Yang Yi didn’t hesitate.

“As you wish…”

Being close to the Empress was an opportunity he would not refuse. After all, she ruled the nation.

Besides, spending every day with a bunch of old scholars at the Hanlin Academy was far from exciting. At the side of the Empress, he’d at least find some excitement.

Wu Zhao nodded slightly, her liking for Yang Yi growing. She admired his determined character.

“Starting tomorrow, report to Qianyuan Temple,” she instructed.

“I appoint you as the Central Minister to accompany me from now on.”

Yang Yi immediately expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you for your favour, Your Majesty.”

Promotion!

The position of Central Minister was not an ordinary one; it involved drafting imperial edicts. Essentially, he was now the Empress’s secretary.

This was quite an opportunity. He didn’t mind spending every day in the company of Empress Wu Zhao.

After all, she was a beautiful ruler, and Yang Yi was willing to risk a little impropriety.

Of course, Empress Wu Zhao was blissfully unaware of Yang Yi’s thoughts. Otherwise, she might have taken a blade to the ambitious courtier!

Leaning back in her chair, her long, shiny hair cascading down, she revealed a sharp, fair face. Her dark eyes looked at Yang Yi with a smile that hinted at amusement. The loose court dress she wore accentuated her ample brest, tracing a perfect curve.

Her slender, pale fingers held a document.

“Relations between the Central Plains and the Turks are strained, especially with our Great Zhou,” she remarked. “The Turks are considered neighbours of our Great Zhou, but this particular neighbour is not well-behaved. They are constantly harassing our borders.”

“Lately, they’ve been crossing the border frequently…”

Yang Yi nodded slightly.

Even though he wasn’t a military officer, he had some understanding of the situation.

In this vast world, various countries such as Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming coexisted.

Meanwhile, the Liao, Jin, Yuan, and other ethnic states gathered in the northern and western regions. Among them, the Turks were particularly active, sharing borders with both Tang and Zhou. The Turks had a penchant for raiding cities in the Central Plains—a traditional skill, one might say.

Empress Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her rosy lips curling slightly.

“The Turks are fierce fighters, and our Great Zhou has been plagued by natural disasters in recent years. We really can’t afford to continue fighting them,” she continued.

“However, defeating the Turks, a nomadic northern tribe, will not be an easy task.”

“The Great Zhou needs time to recuperate and regain its strength, but war with the Turks is not a viable option. I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.”

Empress Wu Zhao’s searching gaze fell on Yang Yi. Her majestic and coldly beautiful face displayed a hint of anticipation.

Yang Yi had already impressed her with his handling of the disaster relief, and now she hoped he might have a solution for the Turkish threat.

However, she did not expect him to provide a satisfactory answer, given the complexity of the situation.

Even powerful dynasties like Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming had struggled to find an effective resolution.

Nevertheless, this was a crucial test for Yang Yi, one that could significantly influence his future status.

Yang Yi blinked, considering the problem. He stroked his chin thoughtfully before speaking.

“Your Majesty, I have a method that could resolve the Turkish issue once and for all…”

Wu Zhao’s eyebrows arched in surprise.

“You have a solution?” she asked, her eyes widening with amazement.

Her lips, slightly parted, revealed a glimpse of her dainty tongue, momentarily distracting Yang Yi.

He cleared his throat. “Indeed, I have a plan.”

Empress Wu Zhao’s heart raced with a mix of anticipation and skepticism.

Was Yang Yi truly offering a brilliant strategy, or was he merely speaking in hopes of impressing her? Her curiosity was piqued.

The Empress waved her hand. “Everyone, leave us…”

The palace maids promptly bowed and exited the hall, leaving only Lady Shangguan behind. As the Empress’s closest female official, there was no need for her to withdraw.

Though a woman, Lady Shangguan intellect and strategic insight were unparalleled, which was why she held such a prominent position.

She regarded Yang Yi with keen interest, wondering what kind of strategy he might propose to resolve the Turkish issue.

Empress Wu Zhao took a deep breath, calming herself, and turned her gaze back to Yang Yi. Her eyes reflected a mixture of curiosity, and a hint of anticipation.

“Minister Yang, please, elaborate on your plan…”