Volume One, Chapter 12: Liu Chan's Test!

“Yang Yi was once a close aide under the Chancellor’s command and deeply trusted,” someone remarked.

“Yet the Chancellor once told me that although Yang Yi is talented, he lacks ambition and has no interest in governance. Moreover, I have never heard that Yang Yi possesses great abilities or has formed any faction,” Liu Shan frowned deeply, doubt plainly written across his face.

A servant sighed heavily upon hearing this and said, “Your Majesty, Yang Yi’s arrival to petition you is itself a sign of victory. He has triumphed over powerful figures like Jiang Wan and Wei Yan in their struggles, which must mean he has unique qualities.”

“Why not meet him first, ascertain his intentions, and then plan accordingly?”

“If Yang Yi truly prioritizes Your Majesty, then he is a loyal minister. But if he acts arrogantly and oversteps, you can always use other forces to curtail his power.”

Though the sovereign of a kingdom, Liu Shan knew his own limitations in statecraft; relying on capable ministers was the only path to governing Shu Han effectively.

He nodded with a trace of worry and asked, “I have had little interaction with Yang Yi. When I summon him, how should I respond?”

In the past, most official dealings were managed by Chancellor Zhuge Liang to shield Liu Shan from deception.

Now, with the Chancellor gone, Liu Shan felt at a loss facing Yang Yi.

The servant’s expression grew solemn; after a moment’s thought, he spoke slowly: “Your Majesty, Yang Yi now holds the reins of military and civil power and his influence is strong. It would be unwise to confront him directly at this moment.”

“In my humble opinion, Your Majesty should treat him with utmost courtesy.”

Liu Shan frowned deeply, troubled: “Yang Yi was but a chief clerk under the Chancellor. There is a clear distinction between ruler and minister; how can I show him even greater respect?”

The servant looked resigned: “Great achievements in history often disregard trivial distinctions. Whether Yang Yi is loyal or treacherous is yet unknown. He likely has supporters both inside and outside the court.”

“If Your Majesty opposes him, it could bring disaster. For now, feign cordiality to secure his loyalty and test his true intentions.”

Liu Shan sighed long and deep, his expression darkening. “Very well. Issue the order—bring him forth!”

…

Before the imperial palace,

Surrounded by attendants, Liu Shan slowly stepped out of the palace gates.

His gaze was immediately captured by the sight before him.

There stood Yang Yi, flanked by a group of soldiers clad in heavy armor, each wielding sharp blades.

The troops were arrayed in perfect formation; a single glance sent chills down one’s spine.

Liu Shan’s heart tightened; his steps faltered involuntarily, and the attendants beside him grew tense, holding their breath.

Forcing calm, Liu Shan managed a faint smile: “Chief Clerk Yang, this display…”

“Your Majesty, I have urgent matters to report,” Yang Yi said solemnly, clasping his hands.

“After the Chancellor’s passing, Wei Yan and Zhuge Pan dared to rebel!”

“These two wolves with wild ambitions sought to exploit the Chancellor’s death and the ensuing turmoil by forging a false will, aiming to seize power and overturn our Shu Han state!”

Liu Shan’s brows knit in shock. “Is this true?”

“Do not worry, Your Majesty!” Yang Yi gestured to the soldiers behind him.

“Upon receiving the news, I immediately mobilized troops to suppress the rebellion and have apprehended Wei Yan and Zhuge Pan.”

“I feared the rebels might infiltrate the palace, endangering Your Majesty’s safety, so I ordered armored guards to protect the palace.”

“I apologize for disturbing Your Majesty.”

Liu Shan paused, cautious but feigning relief. “Good! Excellent!”

“Chief Clerk Yang’s actions show unwavering loyalty, a mighty effort to save the realm. Truly, he is a pillar of Shu Han!”

A faint, scarcely noticeable smile flickered across Yang Yi’s face. Bowing respectfully, he replied modestly, “Your Majesty’s praise is too generous. I am but fulfilling my duty, not seeking merit.”

Liu Shan waved his hand and stepped forward, grasping Yang Yi’s hand. “There is no need for modesty. In this time of crisis, you alone have stepped forward to stabilize the situation!”

“The Chancellor devoted his life to Shu Han, pouring his heart and soul into its cause. His sudden passing pains me beyond words.”

“Among all officials, you are the only one who can carry on the Chancellor’s will and share my burden in building Shu Han’s foundation!”

As Liu Shan spoke, he carefully observed Yang Yi’s expression.

Yang Yi, in turn, noticed the gaze but pretended not to and bowed again with sincere words: “Your Majesty’s kindness moves me to tears. I pledge to devote myself fully, even to the point of sacrifice, to repay Your Majesty’s trust.”

“I swear to emulate the Chancellor’s dedication—serving until death without fail, not betraying Your Majesty’s confidence.”

Yang Yi understood the dynamics of loyalty well and dared not show any neglect.

If his relationship with Liu Shan soured, all his previous efforts would be wasted.

Liu Shan felt a measure of reassurance. “With your words, Chief Clerk Yang, I am comforted. I hope you will continue to devote yourself to all affairs of state. I will fully support you in advancing Shu Han’s cause.”

At the same time, Liu Shan pondered inwardly, sensing that Yang Yi was quite different from the Chancellor’s earlier description—a man who seemed steady and reliable.

Could it be that the Chancellor had misjudged him?

Seeing Liu Shan’s initial trust, Yang Yi seized the moment to suggest: “Your Majesty, with the Chancellor’s passing, the whole nation mourns. I humbly request that Your Majesty accompany us to the Chancellor’s residence to pay respects.”

A flicker of sorrow passed through Liu Shan’s eyes. “The Chancellor’s kindness to me was as heavy as a mountain. I shall go personally to mourn. Chief Clerk Yang, lead the way.”

Thus, accompanied by Yang Yi and a retinue of attendants and armored guards, Liu Shan slowly proceeded toward the Chancellor’s residence.

Along the way, citizens knelt by the roadside, mourning deeply in the direction of the residence, their cries rising and falling.

Outside Shu’s capital city, in a quiet thatched hut,

Zhuge Liang sat calmly at his desk in plain robes, the scent of tea curling in the air, though his heart was heavy with worry.

Suddenly, a masked figure in black hurried in—the spy Zhuge Liang had sent out earlier.

“Chancellor, I have just gathered intelligence: Yang Yi has taken full control of the Chancellor’s residence, imprisoning all civil and military officials inside, preventing their entry or exit.”

The spy’s voice trembled with fear.

Zhuge Liang’s face changed drastically; he murmured in disbelief, “How… can this be?”

Usually composed, he now struggled to conceal his shock.

In his mind, Yang Yi was clever and meticulous but fond of pleasure and lacked lofty ambitions.

He never imagined that this seemingly unambitious man could possess such ambition and ability to seize power.

“I once thought him merely a man seeking indulgence. How could he harbor such cunning?”

Zhuge Liang’s brow furrowed deeply as he sank into thought.

At that moment, Ma Su’s voice approached, tinged with panic.

“Chancellor! The troops inside have been identified—they are not ordinary soldiers but the renowned Wudang Flying Army, personally formed by the Chancellor. The one commanding them now is Yang Yi!”

Zhuge Liang’s pupils constricted sharply; his carefully laid plans were now completely disrupted.

He had expected the main conflict to be among Jiang Wan, Wei Yan, and Li Yan, never imagining Yang Yi would emerge unexpectedly in the fray!