Volume One, Chapter 15: Liu Chan’s Distrust? Then Let’s Put on a Show!

“But the crime of treason must not go unpunished. You shall handle it, Chief Clerk Yang!”

As Liu Chan’s words fell, Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and the others were stunned beyond belief.

They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with incredulity.

Dealing with a traitor concerns the dignity of the law and the stability of the court—how could such a matter be entrusted so easily to a single person?

And yet it was entrusted to Yang Yi!

They harbored silent worries; Yang Yi’s standing before Liu Chan had clearly risen like a tide.

“Your Majesty trusts this humble servant, I shall not disgrace the mission and will handle it properly according to your commands,” Yang Yi said respectfully.

Liu Chan looked at Yang Yi, then turned his gaze toward Wei Yan.

After a moment’s contemplation, he spoke slowly, “Chief Clerk Yang, regarding Wei Yan’s matter, after much thought, I believe General Wei was merely manipulated and used by Zhuge Pan.”

“General Wei has served in the army for many years, risking life and death for Shu Han and achieving numerous merits. I trust his loyalty to Shu Han. Therefore, I shall not hold him accountable any further. What are your thoughts?”

A slight chill ran through Yang Yi’s heart as he immediately grasped Liu Chan’s intention, yet his face remained deferential.

He cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty is wise and perceptive. General Wei Yan has always been loyal to Shu Han, and surely this time he was deceived by that Zhuge Pan.”

“Your Majesty’s magnanimity in sparing him is truly a blessing for General Wei and for all of Shu Han!”

Upon hearing this, Wei Yan’s heart leapt with joy and he knelt quickly to express thanks.

“Your Majesty’s trust moves me to tears. I shall dedicate myself wholeheartedly to Shu Han’s cause until my dying breath!”

Jiang Wan and Fei Yi also found the matter somewhat suspicious.

But seeing Liu Chan’s resolve and Yang Yi’s compliance, they dared not say more.

“Guards!” Yang Yi commanded loudly, “Take Zhuge Pan to the dungeon under strict guard—no mistakes allowed!”

No sooner had he spoken than two guards pounced like hawks on a rabbit, lifting the limp Zhuge Pan from the ground.

Zhuge Pan’s face was ashen, eyes filled with despair, muttering incessantly, “Your Majesty, spare me, Your Majesty, spare me…”

His voice echoed through the chancellor’s residence, gradually fading away.

Watching Zhuge Pan’s retreating figure, Wei Yan couldn’t help but smirk inwardly, feeling he had narrowly escaped disaster.

He thought quietly, “That Zhuge Pan, usually so clever and quick-witted, how could he come up with such a foolish plan?”

---

“He nearly dragged me down with him. Now look at him, ending up a prisoner—truly a just punishment!”

Yang Yi caught a glimpse of Wei Yan’s arrogant expression from the corner of his eye. Though his face remained calm, he sneered inwardly.

This time he escaped by luck; next time, he might not be so fortunate.

Of course, Wei Yan’s good fortune this time was primarily due to Liu Chan.

Having dealt with Zhuge Pan, Liu Chan turned to the matter at hand upon his arrival.

He walked slowly to the coffin of Zhuge Liang, and all the civil and military officials respectfully made way for him.

Liu Chan’s expression was sorrowful, tears glistening in his eyes as he knelt devoutly, burning incense and bowing his head.

Rising, he looked around and said with a choked voice, “The chancellor devoted his life to Shu Han and taught me with great care—his kindness weighs as heavily as a mountain.”

“Now that he has departed, I am heartbroken. I shall guard his spirit here to fulfill my final filial duty.”

The officials were deeply moved and knelt in unison, proclaiming, “Your Majesty’s affection runs deep. We are all willing to follow you in guarding the chancellor’s spirit!”

Their voices echoed solemnly throughout the ancestral hall.

Seeing this, Yang Yi stepped forward respectfully, saying,

“Your Majesty, the situation is complex. During the vigil, I wish to take charge of security to protect Your Majesty and ensure everything proceeds without fault.”

Liu Chan nodded slightly without refusal, “Then I entrust this to Chief Clerk Yang.”

Thus, in the solemn ancestral hall, Liu Chan and his officials began the vigil for Zhuge Liang.

Meanwhile, Yang Yi took advantage of the excuse to dispatch guards and left the residence, accompanied by his trusted aides Zhao Li and Zou Ping.

Outside the chancellor’s mansion, the surroundings were deserted.

Yang Yi furrowed his brows, his eyes clouded with concern as he whispered,

“Although His Majesty entrusted me with the Zhuge Pan matter, he insists on sparing Wei Yan. It seems he still harbors caution toward me!”

At court, everyone knew well that Yang Yi and Wei Yan were at odds.

Liu Chan’s decision to spare Wei Yan was likely to use Wei Yan’s influence as a counterbalance in court, preventing Yang Yi from dominating alone.

Upon hearing Yang Yi’s concern, Zou Ping suddenly leaned closer, lowering his voice with a glint of ruthlessness in his eyes.

“Sir, if that is so, why not you...”

Zhao Li gasped sharply, his face showing clear shock.

Yang Yi’s expression changed drastically, and without hesitation, he clamped a firm hand over Zou Ping’s mouth.

Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, he then whispered,

“I don’t dare overstep—when did your boldness surpass mine?”

Zou Ping blushed deeply and whispered, “Sir, I... I was momentarily confused. Seeing your predicament, I only meant to...”

Yang Yi cut him off directly,

“Enough. You mean well, but don’t speak recklessly and give others ammunition.”

His eyes flickered as he lowered his voice,

“If I want to gain His Majesty’s trust, I must stage a performance next.”

“Li Yan has yet to come to pay respects at the chancellor’s vigil. This man never supported the Northern Expeditions and was ambitious in trying to seize power while the chancellor lived.”

“You are to go to Li Yan’s residence and find his advisor, Fei Guan.”

As he spoke, a sly smile crept to Yang Yi’s lips.

Trust must be earned.

When Yang Yi finished, Zou Ping’s eyes widened, hesitating,

“Sir, but Fei Guan is Li Yan’s advisor...”

Yang Yi chuckled with confidence, “Just deliver my message. He will understand what to do.”

Zou Ping was stunned, then suddenly comprehended.

Inwardly, he admired Yang Yi’s cunning stratagem.