Chapter 17: King Qi (7)

After capturing more than thirty cities from Chu, the State of Qi gained vast lands, populations, and resources, rapidly enhancing its strength. Yun Yao rewarded the meritorious ministers, bestowing marquis titles upon Zou Ji and Sun Bin. The two knelt in gratitude. One was a qin player, the other disabled—yet together they rose above tens of thousands.

With such exemplars, talents from across the land flocked to Qi. Yun Yao could not meet everyone personally, so she entrusted the selection of officials to Zou Ji.

As a sovereign, one must experience incognito visits among the people. On a clear, gentle day, Yun Yao slipped away with her guards, intending to enjoy a day of leisure. But she found the common folk still living in hardship. Though the nation’s power grew, it seemed to bring no benefit to them; the gains always favored the upper class.

Her mood instantly soured, and she returned directly. The next day, she declared a reduction in corvée duties and taxes at court. This decision met with opposition from many ministers who feared it would diminish the treasury’s income.

Zou Ji, as her trusted advisor, rose to support the queen. He said, “Chu lost its hold on the Qi cities not because of lack of land, but because it failed to win the hearts of the people. Once Qi’s forces moved to reclaim these cities, the populace eagerly welcomed them, opening the gates themselves. Most cities were not taken by force but given over by their inhabitants. Therefore, to firmly hold these cities, winning the people’s loyalty is paramount. Your Majesty’s decree aims to make the people feel better under Qi’s rule than under Chu’s, naturally turning their hearts to Qi.”

Yun Yao nodded with satisfaction—a perfect explanation. Opposition waned, and the policy was enacted. The entire nation revered the monarch’s benevolence.

However, with fewer conscripts, many soldiers returned home, and major projects like irrigation works and imperial tombs faced indefinite delays. Though the treasury’s income decreased, the nation’s strong foundation prevented immediate harm.

News of this spread, delighting neighboring states. They no longer feared an attack from Qi, seeing its diminished military and finances as incapable of waging war. The neighbors relaxed and indulged in pleasures, indifferent to Qi’s growing reputation for benevolence. “Benevolence? What use is it? The lowly exist only to serve the elite,” they scoffed.

Amid this, Sun Bin sought an audience, believing Qi was at its peak for expansion and that, if the monarch wished to wage war, it could dominate the world. Qi’s current state seemed more like peaceful retirement.

Yun Yao replied simply, “I have no desire to dominate the world. I only wish for the people to be well clothed and fed, free from hunger and cold.”

Sun Bin was struck silent, then sighed, “Truly, Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler.”

Half a year passed, and Qi’s people prospered. Neighboring subjects grew envious, especially when they learned that those once under Chu’s rule now enjoyed the same treatment as Qi’s citizens, deepening their yearning.

One night, some villagers secretly crossed the border with their belongings, seeking refuge in Qi. Officials were alarmed and reported immediately. Yun Yao’s response was to welcome them all.

The gates opened; the people entered, cheering joyously. “Wonderful! From now on, I am a Qi citizen!” With this acceptance, even more followed.

By the time neighboring countries noticed, dozens of villages were emptied. Their kings swiftly ordered a halt, decreeing death for any caught crossing illegally. Though the crossings ceased, the tide of loyalty could not be stemmed.

The states grew fearful of Qi and sent envoys in tribute. At this moment, Yun Yao’s domestic prestige soared, and ministers urged her to claim supremacy.

She accepted.

Two weeks later, the ceremony of hegemony was held, with lords from all states attending. Yun Yao shed her masculine guise, appearing as a woman, ascending the high platform amid stunned gazes. Before, she had disguised herself as a man because her position was not yet secure; now, she cared no longer.

After the ceremony, the lords departed.

Sun Bin said, “I once thought my military strategies unmatched in this age, but today I realize my own shallowness. Your Majesty’s ability to subdue armies without battle is the highest art!”

He sighed, “With Your Majesty’s presence, I fear I have no battlefield to prove my worth.”

Yun Yao smiled, “You are a peerless warrior. Even without deploying your skills, your very existence intimidates the world.”

Sun Bin laughed, “Then I shall serve Your Majesty well in keeping the world in awe.”

Returning to the palace, Yun Yao invited Zou Ji to a celebratory feast. Gradually intoxicated, she laid her head upon Zou Ji’s lap and fell asleep.

The symbol of power—the ceremonial crown robe—was casually set aside, ready at any moment to be donned again.

To sleep drunk on a beauty’s lap and awake to hold the world’s reins—truly the greatest joy in all the realm.