Volume One, Chapter 13: Zhuge Liang’s Unexpected Move!

"That band of barbarians once dismissed as a disorderly rabble has been disciplined to such an extent by Yang Yi?" Zhuge Liang’s expression flickered with astonishment, disbelief etched across his face.

In the beginning, when Zhuge Liang first established the Wudang Flying Army, its recruits were all from the southern tribes—a rough collection of savage soldiers. They spoke different tongues, their speech was unclear, and communication was difficult. Discipline was lax; they were like loose sand, impossible to unify.

Their only merit was a slightly stronger physique than ordinary men, but on the battlefield, mere individual bravery without strict discipline or tactical formation was of little use.

Now, to learn that under Yang Yi’s command, the Wudang Flying Army was orderly, imposing in appearance, fully equipped—Zhuge Liang found himself utterly perplexed.

“Prime Minister, the current Wudang Flying Army is clad entirely in chainmail armor, wielding iron-ringed sabers. Even our finest Shu Han troops would be humbled in comparison!” Ma Su exclaimed in amazement, his mind swirling with questions.

“Yang Yi, oh Yang Yi, what methods have you employed? Are these still the same savage troops I once knew?” Zhuge Liang’s face showed a rare flicker of surprise, though he remained calm, fanning himself gently, unmoved like a mountain.

“Prime Minister, there is one more matter,” Ma Su hesitated, whispering cautiously. “Before Yang Yi took control, Zhuge Pan forged a false will and colluded with Wei Yan in a reckless bid for power.”

“If Yang Yi had not anticipated this, the situation might already have been in their hands!”

Hearing this shocking revelation, Zhuge Liang’s expression shifted slightly. “Where did you learn this?”

“I treated him like a son, taught him wholeheartedly, and held great hopes for him. Yet he was so foolish, how could I not see it? It was like bargaining with a tiger, inevitably leading to disaster!” Ma Su said hurriedly.

“Prime Minister, please calm your anger. Zhuge Pan was blinded by the circumstances and greed, but thankfully Yang Yi saw through his scheme, preventing a grave catastrophe.”

The fate of the Prime Minister’s office cannot be decided by a mere forged will. Zhuge Pan’s naiveté was astounding. Yang Yi’s seeing through it was only to be expected.

“Prime Minister, now that Yang Yi has won this power struggle, the situation grows ever more perilous. Why not appear promptly to take command? If you delay further, Shu Han may plunge into chaos!”

Zhuge Liang furrowed his brows, his gaze deep and contemplative. After a moment, he slowly raised his hand, signaling Ma Su to remain patient.

“Patience. The real drama is just beginning…”

Ma Su scratched his head in puzzlement. “Prime Minister, but the situation is urgent. Yang Yi holds great power now. If he acts recklessly, what then?”

“Should I summon the troops at once and bring Yang Yi before you, so you may question him face to face, preventing any unchecked recklessness?”

Zhuge Liang shook his head softly, a gleam of profound understanding in his eyes.

“Never mind. Yang Yi does possess some talent. As long as he does not harm Shu Han, let him be.”

“Let us see just how capable he truly is.”

Though Ma Su appeared troubled, he bowed respectfully.

“Your foresight is profound, Prime Minister. I understand.”

“But the situation changes in an instant. We hope you will decide soon.”

“All underlings await your orders.”

Zhuge Liang nodded. “Send more spies into the city. Nothing that happens within the Shu capital should escape our notice.”

“Yes!”

...

At the Prime Minister’s residence.

“The Emperor has arrived!”

Surrounded by attendants, Liu Shan entered the residence with a solemn expression. Yang Yi accompanied him.

Within the residence, the spirit hall was quiet and reverent, incense curling upward, Zhuge Liang’s coffin resting silently.

From afar, Liu Shan saw the coffin and was overwhelmed with grief; tears welled in his eyes.

Officials from both civil and military ranks knelt and saluted, calling out, “Long live His Majesty!”

Their voices echoed through the hall, tinged with sorrow.

Liu Shan raised his hand slightly, signaling them to rise.

His gaze swept over the assembly, full of grief and exhaustion.

At that moment, Jiang Wan and Fei Yi hurried through the crowd.

With a resounding thud—

Led by Jiang Wan, a group of civil officials knelt urgently and angrily.

Jiang Wan raised his voice: “Your Majesty, I implore you to act for the sake of Shu Han and punish Yang Yi for his crimes!”

The gathered officials were momentarily stunned, whispering among themselves with troubled expressions.

Liu Shan’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Minister Jiang, what is the meaning of this? What crime has Chief Clerk Yang committed?”

Fei Yi knelt, head bowed, speaking passionately: “Your Majesty, Yang Yi is a wolfish traitor. Taking advantage of the Prime Minister’s recent death, he seeks rebellion!”

“He has unilaterally deployed the Wudang Flying Army, seized control of the Prime Minister’s residence, and confined the civil and military officials, attempting to seize the reins of government. His heart is truly execrable!”

Liu Shan heard this and bitterly smiled inwardly.

All around were the soldiers Yang Yi himself had stationed.

He had been brought here personally by Yang Yi.

The situation was completely controlled by Yang Yi. He stood right here, in full view of all. And they dared to ask him to punish this man?

Liu Shan was no fool. On the contrary, his political instincts and survival skills were superior to most.

He was simply inexperienced in court affairs—not incapable of navigating them.

In fact, he saw the current situation with remarkable clarity.

“Absurd!” Liu Shan’s brow knitted tightly, fury blazing as he shouted at Jiang Wan and Fei Yi.

“You are utterly ridiculous! How dare you slander Chief Clerk Yang? He has been loyal to me and to Shu Han. When the Prime Minister was alive, he worked diligently, assisting him in many matters without fault.”

“Now, just after the Prime Minister’s passing, you fabricate these charges out of thin air. What is your true intent?”

At these words, many officials present were shocked, unable to believe their ears.

Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and the others paled, their heads nearly touching the ground, too fearful to breathe.

Liu Shan paced back and forth, his anger boiling over.

“Chief Clerk Yang stood by the Prime Minister for many years. I trust him completely! How could he commit such treason?”

“You all clearly envy his rise to power after the Prime Minister’s death and concoct these lies to defame him!”