The grand court assembly, held every ten days, convened in Qianyuan Hall. Civil and military officials stood in two neat rows as the Empress, dressed in a black and gold wide-sleeved dragon robe, leaned against the dragon throne. Her cold, exquisite face remained composed, her gaze sweeping across the ministers before lingering briefly on Yang Yi. Her cool voice echoed through the hall. “Our Great Zhou’s territory has expanded several times over since the late Emperor’s reign. However, no matter how vast a nation may be, it is ultimately ruled by its people. “Currently, our Great Zhou faces the challenge of managing an overly large and cumbersome territory. We must advance with caution and develop gradually. Today’s court assembly will determine the future course of our Great Zhou. You may all speak freely.” The ministers murmured among themselves, caught off guard by the Empress’ statement. Yet, they quickly grasped the gravity of the issue. The expansion of Great Zhou had reached a limit—its foundation no longer supported further reckless conquests. Before considering future expansion, the current territories had to be fully integrated. An official stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, I believe Great Zhou should strengthen diplomatic relations with the major nations of the Central Plains. Since our borders are shared with many of these states, fostering stable relations is essential for our steady development.” Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. Another official spoke up. “Your Majesty, I propose that we prioritize commerce, particularly in bolstering our glass and steel industries. These should be established as leading sectors, giving us leverage in negotiations with other nations.” The hall buzzed with discussion as more officials shared their views. “Indeed, our Great Zhou lacks sufficient population. While the people of conquered nations have submitted to our rule, they cannot be fully integrated into our administration. We must enact policies to encourage childbirth.” “Our glassware should not be limited to domestic trade or exchanges between neighboring states. I have heard that the people of Arabia cherish our glassware. Expanding its trade overseas would not only enhance our nation’s prestige but also yield immense profits.” One after another, voices filled the hall. Wu Zhao listened without giving any indication of approval or disapproval. There was no harm in these proposals, but they were largely conventional. Compared to Yang Yi’s previous scheme, which had sown chaos in the Tang Dynasty, these ideas felt uninspired. Half an hour later, she glanced at the gathered officials. “I have heard your suggestions. I will give them due consideration.” Though they knew their proposals might not be adopted, the Empress’ willingness to hear them out strengthened their sense of unity. Wu Zhao’s gaze then shifted to Yang Yi, who looked drowsy beside her. She couldn’t help but speak. “Minister Yang, what are your thoughts? Share them with me.” All eyes turned to Yang Yi with varying degrees of curiosity. He was perhaps the only person bold enough to doze off during a court assembly. Rubbing his temples, he sighed inwardly. After battling Wei Zifu until dawn, he was still feeling the exhaustion. Meeting the Empress’ half-smiling gaze, he muttered to himself—She truly has no intention of letting me rest. Clearing his throat, he responded, “The ministers have already offered their strategies. I have no additional insights.” Wu Zhao’s brows furrowed slightly. Nothing? Before she could probe further, Yang Yi continued, “However, while I have no proposals for Great Zhou’s internal development, I do have some thoughts regarding other nations.” A ripple of intrigue spread through the court. Minister Yang never followed the expected path. When asked about their own country’s growth, he instead turned the discussion to foreign powers. Even Wu Zhao found herself momentarily puzzled. Was this another scheme like the one that had devastated the Tang Dynasty? If so, such matters were not meant for open court discussion. She hesitated briefly before saying, “Speak.” Yang Yi straightened and said, “Our Great Zhou has achieved its vast territory within merely two and a half years. Compared to the long-established Central Plains nations, we still lack the deep-rooted foundation they possess. “As our strength grows, we are bound to become a thorn in the side of other countries. Therefore, rather than waiting for hostility to manifest, we must anticipate it. We must not only prepare for future conflicts but also take the initiative—preemptively influencing other nations before they have the chance to act against us.” ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ Nove1Fire.net The hall fell into silence. Everyone stared at Yang Yi in stunned disbelief. Only Minister Yang would suggest something so audacious. While the entire court was focused on stabilizing internal affairs, he was already considering provoking other nations. Xu Jingzong leaned forward, stroking his beard with a perplexed expression. “Minister Yang, you just mentioned that Great Zhou needs time to develop its foundation. Why, then, would we antagonize other countries now? Shouldn’t we prioritize establishing friendly diplomatic relations instead?” The other officials nodded in agreement. They had been thinking the same thing. At this stage, Great Zhou should be lying low, not stirring trouble. Yang Yi remained unshaken. “Minister Xu, you misunderstand. Establishing friendly diplomatic relations and preemptively strategizing against other nations are not mutually exclusive.” The officials exchanged baffled glances. Not mutually exclusive? Hadn’t he just suggested proactively targeting other countries? How could diplomacy and covert interference coexist? Wu Zhao’s gaze sharpened. She, too, now sensed that this was not the same kind of scheme he had previously devised against the Tang Dynasty. Xu Jingzong, still puzzled, asked, “Minister Yang, are you implying that provoking other nations won’t lead to direct conflict? How is that possible?” Yang Yi smiled. “Preemptively strategizing against other nations does not mean making grand moves that attract attention. I have a plan that can silently weave a net across all countries—one that does not openly target any single nation, yet ensnares them all…” The court held its breath.