Volume One, Chapter 14: Death Penalty May Be Pardoned, But Living Punishment Is Inevitable!

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When had Liu Chan ever been so furious before? For a moment, even the civil officials like Jiang Wan were genuinely intimidated.

Jiang Wan trembled as he spoke: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. We... we do have evidence; we all serve as eyewitnesses!”

Liu Chan cast him a cold glance, snorting lightly: “Eyewitnesses? Can that even be called evidence? Who knows if you’ve conspired together! For your selfish desires, you would slander loyal and upright men—truly you are traitors to Shu Han!”

Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and the others turned pale, deeply embarrassed.

At that moment, Yang Yi passed by, clasped his hands respectfully, and said earnestly: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Though Lord Jiang and Lord Fei may not have grasped the deeper meaning behind my actions, their hearts are devoted to Shu Han. I believe this is merely a misunderstanding on their part.”

“With the Chancellor recently deceased and the court in upheaval, now is a time for unity among ministers. I implore Your Majesty not to be excessively harsh with them.”

Hearing this, Jiang Wan and Fei Yi exchanged puzzled glances—what was Yang Yi really up to?

Outwardly, Yang Yi seemed magnanimous, yet it was true he controlled the Prime Minister’s office and commanded significant forces.

In front of everyone, Liu Chan could hardly afford to contradict Yang Yi.

Seeing Yang Yi stand up for the two, Liu Chan was momentarily taken aback. He looked at Yang Yi, and the anger in his eyes quietly subsided somewhat.

This was the first time Liu Chan felt a spark of admiration for Yang Yi.

Jiang Wan and Fei Yi had accused Yang Yi, yet he neither resented them nor retaliated; instead, he spoke on their behalf.

Liu Chan steadied his expression and turned toward Jiang Wan, his voice still carrying some severity: “Jiang Wan, look at Chief Clerk Yang—so broad-minded, prioritizing the greater good, truly embodying the spirit of a Prime Minister.”

“But you, without discerning right from wrong, slander a loyal minister based only on what you see with your eyes. Shu Han is at a critical juncture between survival and destruction—how dare you act so recklessly?”

The civil officials, led by Jiang Wan, all lowered their heads.

Jiang Wan clenched his teeth and muttered, “Your Majesty, I... I acknowledge my mistake.”

Liu Chan snorted coldly, then turned his gaze to Yang Yi, his expression softening with a hint of approval: “Chief Clerk Yang, today’s affair shows your magnanimity and your ability to forgive past grievances.”

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“With the passing of the Prime Minister, at such a turbulent time, Shu Han needs a man of your caliber who prioritizes the greater good!”

Yang Yi quickly bowed respectfully, humbly replying, “Your Majesty’s praise is too kind. I have only done what I ought to do.”

“Lord Jiang and Lord Fei have Shu Han’s interests at heart; it is merely a momentary misunderstanding. I believe all of us truly care for the people of Shu Han.”

Yang Yi’s words echoed among the civil and military officials. Just as they were about to respond, Wei Yan hurriedly stepped forward from the crowd, his face urgent. With a loud thud, he knelt and exclaimed, “Your Majesty, I have something to say!”

“General Wei Yan, what is the meaning of this?” Liu Chan frowned slightly and looked at him.

Wei Yan lifted his head, his face sincere and earnest: “Your Majesty, I must make clear—I have no connection whatsoever with the traitor Zhuge Pan!”

“Previously, Zhuge Pan forged a false will to sow chaos—this was his own plot and has nothing to do with me!”

Seeing how favored Yang Yi was before Liu Chan, Wei Yan could no longer hold back.

If Yang Yi continued to speak recklessly before Liu Chan, both he and Zhuge Pan could be punished!

Now was the perfect moment to disassociate himself from Zhuge Pan!

“Oh? You say you have no connection?” Liu Chan’s eyes flickered with surprise, then his expression darkened. “Then why did Zhuge Pan act under the pretense of joining forces with you?”

Wei Yan hurried to explain: “Your Majesty, Zhuge Pan is a schemer. He sought to leverage my standing within the army to bolster his conspiracy!”

“I have been loyal to Your Majesty and deeply grateful to the late Chancellor for his kindness. How could I commit such treason?”

“With the Chancellor newly deceased, I am filled with grief and only wish to defend Shu Han’s borders. I would never participate in such plots!”

Wei Yan spoke with tears and passion, his voice stirring those around him.

Wasn’t this the same man who had once allied with Zhuge Pan?

Upon hearing Wei Yan’s words, Zhuge Pan’s face turned ashen.

Liu Chan showed a conflicted expression, pondering deeply. Wei Yan was known for his bravery and commanded great respect in the army; punishing him would weaken Shu Han considerably.

But if he did not punish him...

As Liu Chan hesitated, Wei Yan knelt again with great fervor: “Your Majesty, I implore Your Majesty to see clearly! I am willing to stake my own life on my loyalty and honesty!”

“If Your Majesty doubts me, I am ready to accept punishment—only please do not wrongfully suspect my sincere loyalty!”

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All eyes remained fixed on Wei Yan when suddenly Zhuge Pan collapsed with a heavy thud.

His entire body trembled like a leaf; his face was as pale as paper.

“Your Majesty, have mercy!” Zhuge Pan’s voice quivered, tinged with sobs. “I was blinded by greed and foolishness, which led me to commit such treason!”

“I should never have forged the will. I beg Your Majesty to spare my life for the faint contributions I once made to Shu Han!”

Zhuge Pan, lacking worldly experience, was thrown into panic by Wei Yan’s denial.

Liu Chan glared fiercely: “You wretch! The Prime Minister devoted his life to Shu Han, treating you as his own son and carefully guiding you, yet you commit such foolish deeds. How dare you face me and beg for mercy!”

Liu Chan was about to mete out severe punishment but hesitated due to Zhuge Pan’s status.

Caught in indecision, Liu Chan cast his gaze to Yang Yi and asked, “Chief Clerk Yang, what is your opinion? How should I deal with Zhuge Pan?”

At once, Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and the others gasped inwardly. To think Liu Chan would consult Yang Yi on this matter!

This was proof of Yang Yi’s rising stature in Liu Chan’s eyes.

Yang Yi bowed slightly and spoke with measured calm: “Your Majesty, this is a grave matter requiring careful consideration.”

“For the state, Your Majesty is sovereign. Whatever Your Majesty decides, the civil and military officials will comply. This will demonstrate Your Majesty’s authority and stabilize the court.”

He paused, then continued:

“From a legal standpoint, Shu Han’s laws are strict. Treason is a capital offense and must be punished by death. This is essential to uphold the rule of law. To neglect the law would undermine its authority and weaken the people’s obedience.”

At this point, Yang Yi paused briefly and glanced at Liu Chan’s expression: “However, on a personal level, Zhuge Pan is the adopted son of the late Prime Minister—the Chancellor’s only surviving heir. The Chancellor devoted his entire life to Shu Han; to execute Zhuge Pan would surely bring him no peace in the afterlife.”

“In my opinion, the death penalty may be spared, but he must not escape severe punishment!”

Yang Yi’s words carefully balanced the interests of the state, law, and personal loyalty without overstepping imperial authority.

Liu Chan listened with great pleasure, then nodded toward Zhuge Pan: “In consideration of the Prime Minister’s legacy, I will spare your life.”