The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 291 Public Opinion
Liao Liju accused Prime Minister Zhuge Liang of controlling the flow of information, abusing his power for personal gain, and deceiving his superiors and subordinates!
Once the news of this matter spread through the imperial court, it immediately alarmed Chang'an.

This is not only because the whistleblower was a captain of the Changshui School, one of the five schools of the Northern Army.

To be honest, this official position means absolutely nothing in this era.

Because the central army system of the Shu Han dynasty was entirely inherited from Liu Bei's warlord era.

The so-called commanders, guards, supervisors, and officers... these are the positions that actually have military functions.

By the sixth year of the Shu Han dynasty, this type of dispatch had almost completed its transformation into an official post.

As for the various generals and colonels of the Han Dynasty, they were completely reduced to honorary titles.

There's no difference between him and those so-called Grand Master of Ceremonies or Grand Master of the Palace.

Therefore, after Liu Shan succeeded to the throne, Liao Li was transferred from Attendant-in-Ordinary to Commandant of the Changshui Cavalry.

They all appear to be of equal rank, equivalent to two thousand shi (a unit of grain), suggesting a lateral transfer.

However, from the perspective of actual power, it was actually a demotion.

The reason, of course, is that this man is known for his outspokenness and often feels that he is not appreciated for his talents, and he always harbors resentment in private.

Out of consideration for his status as a veteran official of Jingzhou, Liu Shan and Zhuge Liang only excluded him from the central government, but still allowed him to receive a salary equivalent to that of a 2,000-stone official.

This can be considered a preferential treatment for veteran officials.

Unexpectedly, instead of being grateful, this man stirred up a huge public opinion storm.

The spearhead was aimed directly at Prime Minister Zhuge Liang.

Of course, this is from Liao Li's perspective.

It could also be said that it was precisely because of the gratitude for the late emperor's favor and the current emperor's special treatment that he spoke out frankly and impartially, so as not to fail the emperor's grace.

So ultimately, it all comes down to the evidence.

Liao Li was clearly prepared.

There are two core points:
First, in order to promote the route of sending troops to Hedong, Zhuge Liang deliberately allowed his son Zhuge Qiao to contradict the ruler and ministers of Eastern Wu in Jianye, which caused the Han Dynasty to lose its allies and make it difficult to promote the Henan route.

Secondly, when Zhuge Liang besieged Linjin before, he deliberately had his generals release Zhang He, thus allowing the enemy to grow stronger.

Instead of being grateful, Zhang He turned around and led his troops back to Tongguan.

It even forced Sima Yi to leave, allowing the traitor Xu Shu to seize more real power and turn against the Han Dynasty.

Furthermore, considering the friendship between Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu.

Is there some shady deal going on between these two?

Is it possible they've agreed to get promoted and make a fortune together?
It must be said that Liao Li might not be good at fighting.

But they're quite adept at making unfounded accusations and spreading rumors.

These two pieces of evidence, especially the second one, seem plausible at first glance, given the lack of inside information.
However, after Liu Shan ascended the throne, Zhuge Liang had already revealed all the details to him.

How could I not know the inside story?

They were disgusted and threatened to arrest Liao Li, confiscate his property, and execute him.

Dong Yun quickly tried to dissuade him:

"Liao Gongyuan's memorial to the throne was the proper way to address the issue."

"If Your Majesty has any doubts about the evidence listed, it should be handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation before punishment."

"If we punish without trial and execute without question, not only will His Majesty be branded as a cruel ruler, but the Prime Minister's reputation will also be ruined!"

Liu Shan was immediately annoyed.

In fact, if Zhuge Liang could be cleared of all wrongdoing in a fair and just manner, wouldn't he be willing to do so?

The problem is that this is something that can't be discussed openly!
Seeing that he remained silent, Dong Yun prompted him again:

"This matter concerns the Prime Minister. If Your Majesty cannot make a decision on your own, you should appoint a respected minister to handle it impartially."

Liu Shan: "Who do you think should be the chief judge?"

Dong Yun: "The Court of Justice is in charge of judging cases in the imperial court. This matter should be handled by Lord Pan Chengming."

When Liu Shan heard Pan Jun's name, he was somewhat bewildered:

"Who is this Pan Tingwei?"

Dong Yun patiently explained:

"Pan Gong once served as the governor of Jingzhou under the late emperor and was known for his integrity. He was successful in governing the people and the army, and thus accumulated merits to the position of Zhong Er Qian Shi."

Liu Shan was still bewildered: "Can he really handle this impartially?"

Dong Yun sighed inwardly, but his expression remained blank.

In fact, as soon as he saw the emperor hesitate, he sensed that there might be something hidden behind it.

If the emperor doesn't say anything and the prime minister doesn't mention it, then I shouldn't ask any more questions.

but.

Regardless of the hidden reasons.

He always believed that as long as Liao Li submitted his memorial in a public manner, the court had to respond in a public manner as well.

This is the proper way for the emperor to govern his subjects.

If the emperor were to disregard public law for personal reasons, not only would his court officials become disaffected, but the people of the realm would also regard the court as a joke. However, it seems that while this prince is honest and simple, he is perhaps too honest.

Fine... let's try a different approach to persuade them.

With a thought, Dong Yun reminded him:
"Your Majesty, Lord Pan is General Wei's teacher!"

Liu Shan's eyes suddenly lit up.

Now he understood.

Since Pan Jun and Mi Wei were master and disciple, they could naturally communicate and exchange information in private.

Although Pan Jun was unaware of Xu Shu's secret.

But Miwei knew!

Entrusting this matter to Pan Jun makes it convenient for Mi Wei to carry out the operation privately!

but……

How did Shao Xian guess that General Wei knew the Prime Minister's innocence?

Dong Yun resumed his blank expression.

Liu Shan then realized his mistake, coughed a few times, and said seriously:
"Your words make sense."

"This matter will be entrusted to Princess Pan for trial. She must handle it impartially and not disappoint my expectations!"

……

"I am deeply sorry that you have failed to greet me properly in person, sir!"

Looking at his polite disciple, Pan Jun couldn't help but secretly praise him.

He has taken on many disciples throughout his life.

But only Miwei's achievements surpassed his own.

What's even more remarkable is that, despite holding a high position, the other party still retains the same humble demeanor as before.

It can be said that they were as cautious from beginning to end as they were at the beginning.

In the words of those Buddhist monks, Miwei was the true disciple who inherited their mantle.

After secretly feeling pleased with himself, Pan Jun stepped forward and asked with concern:
"How is your diet, Lord Sikong?"

When his father, Mi Zhu, was mentioned, Mi Wei's eyes darkened.
"The doctor came to see you and said that your illness is an 'old age' illness, which cannot be cured by medicine or acupuncture. It is truly the will of Heaven."

Pan Jun could only offer words of comfort.

After exchanging pleasantries, the master and disciple entered the general's mansion. Mi Wei dismissed his attendants and said:
"Sir, have you come today regarding Liao Gongyuan?"

"Indeed." Pan Jun had nothing to hide from Mi Wei.

In fact, as soon as he received the emperor's edict, he immediately guessed the emperor's implication.

if not?
Since rising to the ranks of high-ranking officials, he has been living a life of leisure for almost two years, feeling guilty about his past alleged rebellion.

So as not to obstruct the path of his son and disciples.

He had absolutely no connection with the current emperor, and was not familiar with him at all.

Why was this major case handed over to me to lead and handle?
It can only be because of Miwei.

He then stated bluntly:

"To what extent does the Prime Minister expect me to investigate this case?"

"Or rather, should we investigate at all?"

Mi Wei smiled slightly:
"Since it is an imperial edict and concerns the Prime Minister's reputation, it must be investigated."

"As for the extent of the investigation... I wonder what advice you have, sir?"

Pan Jun stroked his pale beard and said leisurely:

"Then I will speak frankly."

"I don't know what secrets are involved, and I don't intend to ask."

"But I know that with the Prime Minister's prestige in the government, if he is unwilling, Liao Li's memorial will not even reach the outer court, let alone spread throughout the common people."

"The fact that he was able to do it but did not shows that the Prime Minister deliberately condoned it."

"That Liao Li is just a wild and arrogant guy. Why should I be afraid of offending him?"

"But I'm afraid it will ruin the Prime Minister's plans."

Upon hearing this, Mi Wei burst into laughter and clapped his hands, saying:

"I knew this matter could not be hidden from your discerning eyes, Master."

"Indeed, the Prime Minister deliberately sent people to spread this news throughout the city."

"However, sir, there is no need to worry about conflicting with the Prime Minister's plans. Just conduct the investigation normally and verify the testimonies normally to demonstrate that the court is governed by law... For this, it is fine to take a little more time."

“It doesn’t matter if it takes a little more time…” Pan Jun murmured to himself.

A glint of light suddenly flashed in his eyes:

"Which general is the Prime Minister covering for?"

(End of this chapter)