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“So, what do you mean by using newspapers to control public opinion?”

Yang Yi smiled knowingly.

“A newspaper that reaches hundreds of thousands, even millions—if it publishes news about a prominent figure, wouldn’t it attract massive attention? And if we were to spread certain rumours, even if they are marked as uncertain, it would still stir tens or hundreds of thousands of readers, influencing public sentiment. If that sentiment turns negative toward someone important, their reputation could suffer greatly.”

Wu Mingyue was taken aback, realizing the full weight of his words. The power of the newspaper wasn’t just in delivering news; it was in shaping the narrative. Target someone, and you could sway public opinion, tarnishing their reputation under the scrutiny of countless eyes.

She felt a chill run down her spine. Yang Yi was right; this was not a tool to be taken lightly.

The phrase “Stopping the people’s mouth is harder than stopping a river” suddenly made perfect sense. A newspaper could indeed wield immense power over public opinion.

Wu Mingyue looked at Yang Yi with a newfound respect. He may be a scoundrel, but his mind was sharp. The potential of this scheme was staggering. Once the newspaper gained traction, it could easily be used to destroy someone’s reputation.

The thought lingered—public opinion can melt gold, and accumulated slander can crush bones. She bit her lip, suppressing the shiver of excitement and fear.

“So, how do we begin?”

Yang Yi met her gaze, holding up three fingers.

“First, establish a newspaper office. Then, hire reporters and editors. Finally, focus on publishing and printing.”

He paused, letting the weight of each step settle in.

“Setting up the newspaper office can be both challenging and simple. The key is making it engaging from the start. Include entertainment sections—serialized stories, puzzles, or even humorous anecdotes.”

Yang Yi’s modern knowledge and keen insight guided his advice, and Wu Mingyue’s eyes sparkled with newfound ambition. She wished she had something to jot down every brilliant idea that spilled from his lips.

…

Ten days later, in Qianyuan Hall, Yang Yi found himself standing before Wu Zhao, the Empress. Dressed in a red robe embroidered with light gold dragon patterns, her long black hair cascaded down like a silken waterfall.

Her pale skin glowed under the soft light, and her cold, beautiful face remained impassive. Her phoenix-like eyes, sharp and serene, held a calmness that gave away nothing.

“How have you been getting along with Wu Mingyue these days?”

Wu Zhao’s voice was casual, yet it carried a weight that was impossible to ignore.

Yang Yi hadn’t expected the Empress to ask about this and was momentarily taken aback. He lifted his head slightly, meeting her gaze with calm composure.

“The Third Princess is charming and lively, straightforward in her demeanor. I’ve found our interactions quite enjoyable.”

Wu Zhao’s eyelids lowered slightly, masking a flicker of unease that she couldn’t quite place.

“Is that so?” she said, her voice unreadable.

The Empress’s heart felt a peculiar tightness, though she couldn’t discern why. She quickly suppressed the feeling, her expression turning colder as she addressed him again.

“Yang Yi, perhaps you should reconsider my previous proposal. If you have any affection for Wu Mingyue, I could bestow upon you a marriage.”

Yang Yi felt a bead of sweat form on his brow. He hadn’t anticipated the Empress revisiting this topic. He raised his hands in a helpless gesture.

“Your Majesty, you misunderstand. While I do enjoy my interactions with the Third Princess, they are purely professional, nothing more.”

Unexpectedly, Wu Zhao felt a sense of relief, though she didn’t quite understand why. A rare, faint smile tugged at her lips.

“Professional matters? What kind of matters?”

She inquired, her tone curious yet laced with a touch of suspicion.

Yang Yi noted the subtle change in the Empress’s demeanor but paid it little mind. He began explaining the newspaper project in detail.

As he spoke, Wu Zhao’s initial smile slowly faded, her expression growing serious.

“Controlling public opinion?” she murmured, her gaze distant as she absorbed his words.

Since ancient times, stopping the people’s mouths had been harder than stopping a flood. Traditionally, the royal family guided public opinion through books and official records, like Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, who used the “Clan Records” to diminish the influence of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans.

Yet Yang Yi’s idea was something entirely different—newspapers, faster and more potent than any printed book. A newspaper that catered to both the refined and the common could influence not just the city but the entire empire and beyond.

The potential was staggering. With this tool, shaping public opinion would be as simple as manipulating ink on paper. A single article could elevate someone’s reputation or, just as easily, destroy it.

Wu Zhao’s mind whirled as she contemplated the possibilities. This was more than just a means of communication; it was a weapon that could alter the very fabric of power. She studied Yang Yi with renewed interest, fully grasping the profound impact of his vision on the empire.

Wu Zhao gave Yang Yi a deep, contemplative look. She had initially thought they were merely toying with ideas, but she hadn’t expected Yang Yi to devise such a formidable strategy.

This newspaper, if wielded correctly, would become a hidden sword for the empire. When this sword struck, it would not only shake the nobles of the Great Zhou but could even reach the emperor himself. Such power was ruthless and unprecedented.

It was clear now why he had placed Wu Mingyue in charge of the newspaper; she couldn’t afford to entrust this weapon to anyone else. A surge of admiration welled up in Wu Zhao’s heart.

This minister had considered every angle before presenting his plan, covering every potential pitfall. It was nearly flawless. Thankfully, this brilliant strategist served the Great Zhou.

Her rosy lips curved into a slight smile.

“No wonder I haven’t seen that girl lately. So, she’s been busy with this newspaper,” Wu Zhao mused.

“That’s good. It keeps her from lazing around the palace all day.”

Yang Yi couldn’t help but smile wryly.

Not only is she not idle, but she’s probably so busy she’s about to catch fire.

…

In Luoyang, on a bustling street near the imperial city, a newly renovated shop stood out among the rest. The signboard was still covered with red cloth, signaling that it had yet to open its doors officially.

Inside, the shop was filled with activity, but the real storm was brewing in the heart of its temporary overseer.

Wu Mingyue stood there, her eyes bloodshot, glaring fiercely as she gritted her teeth in frustration.

That scoundrel! Does he really think he can just be a hands-off manager?

Her mind was full of the infuriating image of Yang Yi’s perpetually smiling, annoyingly handsome face. The thought made her chest tighten with anger, her ample bosom rising and falling with each heavy breath.

He had promised to help her set up the newspaper, even accepting the title of deputy director, yet where was he now? Nowhere to be found. He’d left her to deal with the mess on her own, vanishing just as things were getting intense