Chapter 035: The Villain Complains First

Chapter 035: The Wicked Accuse First

Zhuge Liang looked at Yang Yi, whose fury had brought tears to his eyes, and Liu Yan, who was slumped in dejection. He remained silent, his expression calm, yet a faint displeasure lingered between his brows. Ma Su, Fei Yi, and Zhuge Qiao sat nearby, exchanging bewildered glances.

Wei Ba arrived as Zhuge Liang and the others were in council. Preparations in Hanzhong were progressing well; the timely use of iron spades had greatly increased the amount of cultivated land. A rough estimate showed that the grain needed to be transported from Chengdu would be twenty percent less than expected. Everyone was delighted, and Zhuge Liang had even praised Wei Yan’s diligence, remarking on Wei Ba’s ingenuity—he would surely become a talent in the future. Yet before the words had faded, this father and son arrived, escorting Liu Yan and Yang Yi.

The matter was simple, with clear evidence. Wei Yan, accompanied by his son, had gone to Liu Yan to apologize, but Liu Yan refused to accept, and had earlier severely beaten Fu Xing. A conflict broke out; Liu Yan was then forcibly taken by Wei Yan and his son to the supply camp. Yang Yi refused to let them take Fu Xing, sparking another confrontation. Yang Yi’s personal guards attacked the Wei family, and Captain Yang Meng even attempted to assassinate Wei Yan, but was captured.

All of this was recounted—primarily—by Wei Ba. His words were pitiable and aggrieved; though he did not shed tears, anyone listening would feel sympathy—if they believed him. Even if they didn’t, Wei Ba had witnesses: Fu Xing, battered and lying on a stretcher, and a female servant from the supply camp. There was physical evidence too: a conspicuous dent in Wei Yan’s chest armor.

With witnesses and evidence, the rationale fit together neatly. Even though Zhuge Liang and the others knew things could not have unfolded exactly as Wei Ba described, they could only acquiesce. Liu Yan was ruined, lacking even the strength to defend himself. The moment he entered the tent, he collapsed to the ground, bringing shame even to Ma Su and the others. Yang Yi still had the strength to speak, but whatever had agitated him left his words incoherent and confused. Add to that Wei Ba, standing beside them with a knife and a grim expression, and the outcome was clear.

Zhuge Liang sighed softly, rose, walked to Wei Yan, and patted the hand resting on his sword hilt. “Wen Chang, I understand the matter. You handled it well. Liu Yan, in his grief over his son, lost his composure. Do not hold it against him. Yang Yi’s actions were somewhat excessive, but his intentions were sincere. As for his subordinate’s attempt on your life, rest assured—I will see justice done. Bo Song…”

Zhuge Qiao stood and bowed. “Here.”

“Go fetch my set of armor and present it to Wen Chang.”

Zhuge Qiao hesitated, but Zhuge Liang gave him a meaningful look, and Zhuge Qiao, resigned, turned to go. Soon he returned, cradling a gleaming suit of armor. Zhuge Liang took it, and with both hands offered it to Wei Yan, smiling. “Wen Chang, you and I are similar in build, though I am not as robust as you. I’m not sure if it fits—keep it, and if necessary, have a craftsman alter it.”

Wei Yan had been a bit displeased with Zhuge Liang for shielding Yang Yi, but seeing Zhuge Liang present his own armor, he was overwhelmed. Whatever annoyance he had vanished. Staring at the new armor shining like a silver mirror, Wei Yan smiled shyly. “Prime Minister, this is your own armor. How dare I accept? These are only minor damages; I can have a craftsman repair them.”

Zhuge Liang laughed, pressing the armor into Wei Yan’s hands and grasping his arm. “I am a scholar, unskilled in warfare. My armor is merely for appearances; to slay enemies, we rely on brave generals like you. This armor is best suited for you. Don’t refuse—kill a few more enemies for me, and the armor will be well deserved.”

Wei Yan clasped his fists, bowed his head, and said solemnly, “Prime Minister, rest assured. I will not fail in your trust. I swear to break Cao’s forces and restore the Han.”

“That’s the spirit.” Zhuge Liang nodded in satisfaction. “Fu Xing is gravely wounded. Since you have good medicine, take him back to your camp. He comes from a loyal family; to receive your guidance is his blessing.”

Wei Yan promised again, “I will do my utmost.”

“I trust you,” Zhuge Liang replied, smiling. “We are drinking—will you join us for a cup or two?”

Ma Su rose, laughing heartily, “Prime Minister, the General of the North is famed for his capacity. This little wine won't suffice. Besides, didn’t he say his camp has mutton and wine simmering? If he doesn’t return soon, he’ll be left with only mutton stew. General, you’re not being fair—why didn’t you invite us as well?”

Wei Yan chuckled, explaining, “It was merely a family affair. How could I trouble the Prime Minister and the esteemed staff? If you all honor me with your presence, I will arrange a feast of beef and wine another day for you to drink to your hearts’ content.”

“Let’s spare the cattle. It’s spring plowing and the oxen are needed. When autumn grain fills the stores, we march to Guanzhong, defeat Cao Wei, and then we’ll trouble you for a feast.” Fei Yi rose, his face beaming. “Wen Chang, you truly are fortunate. Your eldest son, Wei Feng, is skilled in martial arts and reliable in conduct; your second son, Wei Ba, though frail, is clever—his inventions, the iron spade and the ledger, are excellent. We were just envying you.”

Ma Su and Fei Yi’s words made Wei Yan beam with pride, his face glowing as he modestly deflected praise until finally, content, he took his leave. As he was about to depart, Wei Ba bowed to Zhuge Liang. “Prime Minister, I have one more humble request. May I ask for your benevolence?”

Zhuge Liang’s brows arched; he smiled, “Speak. As long as it does not break regulations, I grant it now.”

Wei Ba brought the female servant forward. “Prime Minister, we discovered Fu Xing’s injury only because she risked her life to report it. I know it is a grave offense for a government slave to leave the supply camp without permission, but since she saved Fu Xing, could you grant her freedom?”

Zhuge Liang glanced at the woman, whose face bore a large bruise, and waved dismissively. “Though she broke the rules, she did so to save a life—merit outweighs fault. Government slaves are state property and cannot be taken lightly. Wait a moment; I’ll send someone to the supply camp to process her release, then you may take her away. How does that sound?”

Wei Ba was overjoyed. “Thank you, Prime Minister.”

The woman bowed, head lowered. “Thank you for your great kindness.”

Zhuge Liang turned to Yang Yi. “Wei Gong, handle this matter.”

Yang Yi, who had seemed dazed, suddenly woke. He glanced at the woman, paused, and whispered, “Prime Minister, is this... appropriate?”

“What’s inappropriate?” Zhuge Liang impatiently waved. “It’s settled. Wen Chang isn’t holding your attack against him; don’t fuss over a servant girl. Later, I’ll have Bo Song send her price to your tent—just write it off.”

Yang Yi hesitated, then sat at his desk and quickly wrote the order. Wei Ba took it, then had Dun Wu lead the woman to the supply camp to process her release. Before long, Dun Wu returned with the deed of freedom. Wei Ba took it and saw that, though the woman was unattractive, she bore an elegant name: Peng Xiaoyu.

“Miss Peng, from now on, you are free.”

Peng Xiaoyu bowed again, thanked Zhuge Liang, and quietly took her place behind Wei Ba, refusing to leave. Wei Ba was puzzled, but with urgent matters at hand, he left the prime minister’s tent alongside Wei Yan, who was still smiling over his new armor, carrying Fu Xing back to camp for treatment.

Peng Xiaoyu followed closely, step by step. Wei Ba asked, “Miss Peng, where are you from? Do you have family?”

Peng Xiaoyu replied sadly, “I am the family member of a disgraced official, and have been a slave in the supply camp for years. My family is far away in Guanghan. Whether anyone remains, I do not know. Even if I wished to return, there is no way, and I could not make the journey.”

Wei Ba looked helplessly at Wei Yan, who was still infatuated with his armor, unconcerned with this matter. When Wei Ba sought his advice, he waved a hand. “Since she is a relative of a disgraced official, her family likely has nothing left. Alone, returning to Guanghan would be difficult. She may as well stay in the camp. If you wish, keep her as a maid. Though she is plain, she is diligent.”

Wei Ba was annoyed. His father, dazzled by the armor, was shirking responsibility. The girl was now a free woman; even if she were still a slave, with such looks, could he bear to see her every day? He clicked his tongue, but—embarrassed to comment on her appearance before everyone, especially as she had saved Fu Xing and done the Wei family a service—he could only smile. “Miss Peng, what do you think?”

Peng Xiaoyu blinked. “General of the North is right. Guanghan is a thousand miles away, and I am alone. Having offended Yang Yi and Liu Yan, returning would be dangerous. If the young general is willing to shelter me for now, I would be deeply grateful. Your reputation is well-known—even in the supply camp, I have heard of it. To stay by your side is all I could wish for.”

With things at this point, Wei Ba couldn’t refuse, and reluctantly agreed. Wei Feng, observing, chuckled to himself, draped an arm around Wei Ba’s shoulder, and whispered mischievously, “A Ba, the girl may be ugly, but her figure is not bad, and she should still be a maiden. She seems to have some interest in you. Being the daughter of a disgraced official, she must have been raised properly—far from ordinary. Don’t focus so much on appearances. Beauty fades; a worthy wife is hard to find. King Xuan of Qi made Lady Wuyan his queen—a story praised for ages. If you take an ugly maid as your own, following the example of the wise, you may not match them, but you are not far behind.”

“Brother, if you like her so much, why not take her yourself?” Wei Ba shot his elder brother a sideways glance, annoyed.

Wei Feng patted his chest with solemn bravado. “You and I are brothers—I could never steal your thunder.”

“Come on!” Wei Ba rolled his eyes. “Big brother, I’ve discovered you’re shameless.”

“Brother, what are you saying?” Wei Feng feigned confusion, opened his mouth wide, and tapped his neat teeth. “My teeth are perfectly good—not a single one missing. How could you say I am shameless?”

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