562. The Fall Of Zhang Wei & Wang Shang

If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!

Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12

___________________________

The chamber erupted into murmurs. Zhang Wei and Wang Shang exchanged uneasy glances, their power slipping away with every word from Liu Zhang. Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da seized the moment, pressing their advantage. While the debate played out in Chengdu, Lie Fan's Oriole agents continued their work behind the scenes.

They had spent months cultivating relationships with key figures in Liu Zhang's court, sowing discord among Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's allies. Secret meetings were held, promises made, and small but decisive actions were taken to weaken the control that Zhang Wei and Wang Shang had.

One such agent, posing as a minor court official, had uncovered records of mismanagement and corruption tied to Zhang Wei and Wang Shang. These records were discreetly leaked to Zhang Song, who used them to rally further support against Zhang Wei and Wang Shang.

In addition, the Orioles manipulated public sentiment. Through carefully placed rumors and orchestrated events, they painted Zhang Wei and Wang Shang as outdated and self-serving, while Liu Zhang was portrayed as a capable and benevolent leader ready to guide Yi Province into a prosperous future.

As the court debate wore on, it became clear that Zhang Wei and Wang Shang were losing. Even some of their former allies began to shift their support to Liu Zhang, sensing the tide of change. Finally, a vote was called to determine whether the regency would be dissolved.

When the votes were tallied, the decision was decisive. The regency was abolished, and Liu Zhang was declared the sole ruler of Yi Province. Zhang Wei and Wang Shang were stripped of their authority, and their influence reduced to mere shadows of what they once were.

For Liu Zhang, he thought this was a moment of triumph as he had finally been freed from Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's influence, who had made him very scared and even sometimes tremble.

But for Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da, it was only the beginning. With Lie Fan's quiet backing, they now worked to consolidate their positions within Liu Zhang's administration, ensuring that Yi Province would remain aligned with Lie Fan's broader ambitions.

After the regency was dissolved, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da wasted no time in consolidating their newfound authority. With Liu Zhang's trust firmly in their grasp, they orchestrated a sweeping purge of Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's supporters, systematically dismantling the old power structure that had dominated Yi Province for years.

Their actions, while ruthless, were cloaked in the veneer of justice and governance, with every move carefully framed as a necessary step to stabilize Yi Province.

Under the guise of restoring order and rooting out corruption, the three reformists, supported by Lie Fan's shadowy Oriole agents, meticulously targeted individuals loyal to Zhang Wei and Wang Shang.

Officials with even the slightest ties to the deposed regents were either removed from their positions or coerced into pledging loyalty to Liu Zhang. Public accusations of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power became tools to discredit Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's allies.

Liu Zhang, unaware of the extent of Lie Fan's influence or the machinations of his reformist supporters, naively endorsed the purge. Zhang Song had become his most trusted advisor, and Liu Zhang believed wholeheartedly in the vision presented to him, a court cleansed of corruption and loyal solely to him as the lord and Governor of Yi Province.

Behind the scenes, Lie Fan's Oriole agents continued to ensure the purge's success. Disguised as clerks, scribes, and minor officials, they fed critical intelligence to Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da. Fabricated evidence, planted witnesses, and carefully orchestrated public spectacles painted Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's network as corrupt and untrustworthy.

The following day, the main hall of the Governor's Castle in Chengdu was transformed into a courtroom. Liu Zhang sat on the high throne, overseeing the proceedings as the nominal authority, but it was clear to all present that the real power lay with Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da. They operated seamlessly as judge, prosecutor, and investigator, showcasing their unity and dominance over the court.

Zhang Song opened the trial, his voice calm yet commanding, setting the tone for the proceedings. "My lord, honorable officials of Yi Province, we gather here not out of malice, but out of duty. Zhang Wei and Wang Shang stand accused of betraying the trust of this court and endangering the stability of our land. It is our duty to ensure justice prevails and alleviate the suffering of the people due to their crimes."

Fa Zheng, acting as the prosecutor, presented a mountain of evidence. Documents detailing financial discrepancies, witness testimonies accusing Zhang Wei and Wang Shang of embezzlement, and reports of their neglect in governance were laid bare for all to see.

Many of these "evidence" pieces were fabricated or exaggerated by the Orioles, but the presentation was so thorough and compelling that few doubted their authenticity, of course except for Zhang Wei and Wang Shang who had done the deeds themselves.

Meng Da, serving as the investigator, provided additional context. "These documents reveal a pattern of exploitation and deceit. Funds meant for infrastructure were diverted to personal accounts. Military supplies mysteriously disappeared during Zhang Wei's tenure. Such actions not only betray our lord's trust but also jeopardize the well-being of the people of Yi Province."

Zhang Wei and Wang Shang, seated before the court as the accused, attempted to defend themselves. Zhang Wei, his face pale with fury and fear, pointed an accusatory finger at the reformists. "This is a farce! These accusations are baseless! My years of service to this province speak for themselves. This so-called evidence is nothing but lies!"

Wang Shang, less composed, shouted, "Liu Zhang! We were your protectors, your mentors! Are you truly going to stand by and let these vipers destroy us? Do you not see how they manipulate you? This is madness I tell you!"

Liu Zhang, visibly uncomfortable, glanced at Zhang Song for reassurance. Zhang Song stepped forward, his voice filled with quiet authority. "My lord, their defiance is expected. Those who cling to power often resort to baseless denials when their actions are brought to light. The evidence is clear, and the people demand justice."

The trial continued for hours, with Zhang Wei and Wang Shang growing increasingly desperate. However, the overwhelming evidence and the unified front presented by Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da made their defense futile.

The court's officials, many of whom had already shifted their allegiance to the reformists, watched in silence, their expressions betraying no sympathy for the accused because they knew the current trend of power lay in the hands of the three men who judged the former regents.

When the trial concluded, Liu Zhang was called upon to deliver the final verdict. Zhang Song leaned in close, whispering words of encouragement. "My lord, justice demands action. The people look to you for strength. Show them that you are a leader who will not tolerate corruption that has caused large suffering for the people of Yi Province."

Summoning what courage he could muster, Liu Zhang stood and declared, "Zhang Wei and Wang Shang are guilty of the crimes presented before this court. They have betrayed the trust placed in them and endangered the prosperity of Yi Province. As such, they shall be stripped of all titles and positions, and their estates alongside all of their wealth confiscated, and used as the treasury of the province and also alleviate the suffering of the people."

The hall erupted in murmurs. For Zhang Wei and Wang Shang, this was not just a loss of power, it was the end of their political lives and also the end of their clan livelihood. Guards escorted them out of the chamber, their faces etched with defeat and powerlessness.

The reformists wasted no time in consolidating their victory. Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's remaining supporters were systematically removed from office, replaced by individuals loyal to Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da.

The balance of power in Liu Zhang's court shifted entirely, with the reformists now holding unchallenged authority, combined with Liu Zhang's trust, no one could challenge their power.

On the other hand, while Liu Zhang believed that he had reclaimed control of his court, the true architect of the changes remained hidden. Lie Fan, through his Oriole agents, had ensured the purge's success and the consolidation of power under Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da.

The three reformists, while ostensibly loyal to Liu Zhang, began to view him as a figurehead, where only useful for maintaining stability but lacking the vision and leadership needed to secure Yi Province's future and their career.

Privately, they discussed their growing admiration for Lie Fan who had supported them. Zhang Song, who held Lie Fan in the highest regard between the three, remarked, "Lord Lie Fan's support has been instrumental. His vision and capability far surpass what we have seen here. Perhaps our true loyalty should lie with him."

Fa Zheng nodded in agreement. "Liu Zhang is a decent man but no leader. Lord Lie Fan has proven himself as a man of action, someone who can unite this land under a single banner. All of this was proven by the series of actions he had done, and the calculation he had done which was very deep. "

Meng Da, the most cautious of the three of them, added, "For now, we serve Liu Zhang. But we must prepare for the day when Yi Province might need a new master, a leader who can truly bring prosperity and strength."

With the purge complete, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da turned their attention to governance. They worked to restore stability to Yi Province, enacting policies to improve infrastructure, boost agriculture, and strengthen the military. These reforms, while credited to Liu Zhang, were largely driven by the reformists' vision and Lie Fan's guidance.

Public sentiment began to shift in favor of Liu Zhang's administration. The people, unaware of the hidden machinations, saw the changes as a sign of their lord's wisdom and capability. Trade flourished, roads were repaired, and the military was reorganized, ensuring that Yi Province would be ready to face any external threats.

While Liu Zhang basked in the glow of his newfound popularity, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da quietly strengthened their ties with Lie Fan. Regular reports were sent to him detailing the province's progress, and Oriole agents continued to operate within Chengdu, ensuring that Lie Fan's influence remained strong.

As Liu Zhang's court settled into its new order, the province's military leaders, particularly Generals Yan Yan and Zhang Ren, found themselves grappling with the rapid changes.

The reforms initiated by Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da had undeniably brought benefits to the army, better training, increased funding, and a restructured command system. However, the swiftness with which the court shifted had left the generals wary. They had spent years cultivating relationships with Zhang Wei and Wang Shang to ensure the army's needs were met. Now, with those men ousted, they faced an uncertain future under the new regime.

_____________________________

Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0