Chapter 14: The King of Qi (Part 4)

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Atop the palace walls, a crowd of young palace maids gathered, each naturally radiant and beautiful. Their faces were like blossoming peach and plum flowers, as if a garden of flowers had sprung to life upon the palace walls. A new musician had arrived in the palace, renowned for unparalleled talent and striking beauty, drawing the curiosity of all the maids.

Beneath a pear blossom tree, a handsome musician was playing the zither. His face was as flawless as jade, his demeanor elegant and refined, every movement a picture of grace and delight. Though merely a musician, he carried an air of calm assurance, unlike ordinary folk.

His name was Zou Ji, a man gifted with talents to govern and bring peace to the realm, seeking a wise ruler to serve. Among the many states, the King of Qi bore a notorious reputation, yet his act of holding the King of Chu captive earned grudging respect. Despite occasional lapses in judgment, the king possessed hidden stratagems that surfaced in moments of crisis.

Zou Ji held great hope for this monarch, and disregarding his master's warnings, journeyed to the Qi kingdom. Hearing that the king loved music, he entered the palace under the guise of a musician, awaiting an audience.

Suddenly, all the young maids on the wall dispersed. Soon after, a eunuch approached, saying, "The king suffers from insomnia; play a tune to soothe him to sleep."

Zou Ji knew his chance had come. He lifted his zither and followed the eunuch. Though this opportunity was hard-earned, he remained composed and calm, behaving as usual.

After a long walk, they arrived at an exquisitely magnificent palace inscribed with the name Yunhua Palace. Around the palace bloomed flowers carved from precious stones, opening and closing with the passage of time in a masterful display.

Inside the chamber, silence reigned. Long silk curtains hung down, partially concealing a bed at the far end. Opposite the bed stood a table, awaiting the musician.

Zou Ji placed his zither on the table and knelt before it. Sunlight shone upon the ancient instrument, the strings glimmering softly. He raised his hand to pluck the strings; his long sleeves slipped down, revealing a pale wrist. The delicate bones beneath resembled buds on a branch.

The music flowed leisurely, like a wisp of cloud in the mountains—serene and tranquil. The melody instantly relaxed the listener, as if drifting into the clouds themselves.

After playing for some time, a palace maid peered from behind the curtain and signaled him to be silent. Zou Ji gently stroked the strings and sat upright, awaiting the king’s awakening.

After an unknown interval, the curtains stirred. A pair of hands drew them aside, revealing a face of breathtaking beauty. Bathed in sunlight, the complexion shimmered with an ethereal glow, dazzling the eyes.

Black hair cascaded like a waterfall, eyes half-lidded with a languid grace. His aura was one of regal splendor, like a blooming golden peony. No wonder the usually martial King of Chu had been taken captive—who could help but be entranced by such a visage?

The King of Qi scrutinized him, then asked, "What is your name?"

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Zou Ji answered truthfully. The king smiled and said, "Your music is excellent. You shall reside in the side palace and aid me in falling asleep each night."

With that, he dismissed him.

Zou Ji replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Though he had no chance to speak that day, having received this favor, he felt no urgency.

Following a palace maid, he was led to the side palace, where he soon received a tray of golden flowers and a precious ancient zither. For a musician, this was an extraordinary reward, far exceeding the monthly salary of lower officials.

...

For the next month, Yun Yao summoned Zou Ji daily to play the zither and lavished him with generous gifts. News spread throughout the court, stirring much gossip among the ministers.

"I hear the king favors a musician daily, even letting him live in the side palace!"

"So the king loves not only beauties but handsome men as well!"

"Could it be that the king and Minister Xu..."

Zou Ji remained unaware of such rumors, focused instead on seeking an opportunity to advise the king.

One day, Yun Yao expressed a desire to learn the zither.

Zou Ji said, "Usually, it takes years to master the instrument, but for Your Majesty, it shall be effortless."

"Why is that?" Yun Yao asked.

Zou Ji explained, "Playing the zither is akin to governing a kingdom. The king governs the country; thus, learning the zither is naturally within your grasp."

"And what is the connection between statecraft and the zither?" Yun Yao inquired further.

Zou Ji replied, "The thick strings are slow and gentle, like the sovereign; the thin strings are bright and clear, like the prime minister. When plucking, one applies force; when releasing, one eases off—like issuing decrees. The harmony between the thick and thin strings mirrors the cooperation between king and minister in supporting the realm."

He spoke confidently and calmly, using the art of music to elucidate the principles of governance and the relationship between ruler and minister.

Yun Yao nodded.

Zou Ji continued, "Now that the internal and external troubles of Qi are resolved, Your Majesty only lacks a worthy prime minister to assist in managing the officials and achieving greatness."

Yun Yao smiled and said, "Very well, I shall appoint you as prime minister."

With that, he was immediately bestowed the seal of office.

The news shook all of Qi.

A mere musician had risen to prime minister through charm alone!

Ordinary officials climbed the ranks step by step, often never reaching prime minister even in a lifetime; yet this musician achieved it in a mere month!

The ministers were outraged, submitting petitions like falling snowflakes into the palace.

Yun Yao paid no heed, continuing music and dance performances.

She left all court affairs to Zou Ji.

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Ten days passed, and the number of protest petitions dwindled by more than half.

After a month, almost no one demanded the prime minister’s removal.

Court proceedings became orderly; officials performed their duties with discipline and promptness.

Yun Yao was thoroughly pleased—she no longer needed to trouble herself with any matters.

...

One day, as Yun Yao enjoyed herself in the palace, an official came seeking an audience, bearing treasures for presentation.

Delighted, she allowed him inside.

After presenting the treasures, the official voiced his concern, "Now that the prime minister holds supreme power and Your Majesty remains secluded in the inner palace, seldom attending court, the ministers may come to know only the prime minister and forget the king!"

Yun Yao immediately recognized this as sowing discord.

Zou Ji’s rapid ascent had stirred much jealousy.

She pondered briefly, a secret smile forming in her heart.

This was a perfect opportunity—to cleanse the court and simultaneously bind Zou Ji’s loyalty.

No more leisure; it was time to act.

Yun Yao fell silent, her smile fading, replaced by suspicion and caution.

The official, pleased, continued to fan the flames.

Yun Yao said sternly, "Tomorrow, I shall attend court. You will lead the charge in impeaching him."

The official eagerly agreed, feigning utmost loyalty.

The next day, the officials were astonished to see the king attend court for the first time in ages.

Zou Ji, surprised, led the officials in greeting the king.

Yun Yao sat upright on the throne, looking down upon the kneeling figures below.

All knelt, their tall bodies bent and folded into small shapes.

She, however, stood above all, sovereign over all.

"Rise, ministers."

As the officials stood, the same official immediately launched his attack: "I accuse Zou Ji of monopolizing power, wielding influence arbitrarily, turning the court into his personal domain!"

Upon hearing this, Zou Ji’s expression darkened.

Some officials echoed the charge, adding fabricated accusations.

Zou Ji knelt, pleading with a fearful expression.

In a single night, the court’s atmosphere had dramatically shifted.