The Marquis Is Innocent

Zhang Yan looked at the map full of informative labels. He was overjoyed: “My Lord is thirsty for talent. How could he reject you?” After receiving the map, he immediately wanted to take him to see Le Zheng Gong but was pulled back by Rong Yan. When he reached the tent’s entrance, he looked around and whispered, “I have another top secret to tell you. A few days ago, I overheard the secret conversation between Wei Shao and his military advisor, Gongsun Yang, outside the tent. They mention Zhu Zeng’s name in their words. Then, a soldier walked to the side. I was afraid of being discovered, so I left in a hurry and did not listen to the whole conversation, only some of it. That Zhu Zeng is unworthy of Xing Xun. After escaping from Luoyang, he seemed to run to Wei Shao first and then went to the Hanzhong Marquis. I suspect that he is Wei Shao’s spy!”

Zhang Yan was shocked at first, then overjoyed, grabbing Rong Yan’s sleeve: “Is this true?”

Rong Yan said: “I am not sure because I did not listen to their full conversations. But I do have doubts. Originally I did not want to say this to you. But this matter is important, so I told you first. You can secretly watch out for Zhu Zeng’s actions lest I ruin someone’s innocence.”

Zhang Yan’s mood was even more excited than when he saw the map. After walking around the tent several times, he seemed to have made up his mind, striking his left palm with his right hand, saying decisively, “As my brother said, this is a matter of great importance, so we cannot have any doubts! I must immediately report to My Lord. Told my Lord to be more careful, lest they fall for Wei Shao’s treacherous plan!” After saying that, he led Rong Yan to the central tent secretly.

Le Zheng Gong rose to his feet. Zhang Yan led Rong Yan to him and explained his intention, full of praise. Rong Yan came forward to pay his respects. As a big battle was about to take place, each side sent spies to find out what happened on another side. Le Zheng Gong collected some war reports about Wei Shao’s marching layout, but only partially.

Under the candlelight, he examined the map presented by Rong Yan. The secret information matched their knowledge, so he knew this map was genuine. The reason why Rong Yan changed his mind was also reasonable. He believed it immediately. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yan then told him the matter about Zhu Zeng. Le Zheng Gong was half-convinced. After contemplation, he suddenly changed his face and threw the map to the ground, saying: “Did Wei Shao think I am a stupid three-year-old child? You are appointed by him, pretending to surrender, and want to play a diversionary scheme! Such a trick! How can you conceal it from me!”

He shouted for the soldiers to go in and tied up Rong Yan. Then, take him to the gate to be beheaded. Zhang Yan was terrified and hurriedly begged for mercy for Rong Yan. But Le Zheng Gong did not say a word. His expression was gloomy.

Rong Yan, tied by Le Zheng Gong’s soldiers and pushed out, did not defend himself, only laughing. The executioner’s knife was on his neck, but he was still laughing.

Le Zheng Gong asked people to bring him back and coldly said: “You are dying but still drooling here! What do you take my military prestige for? But I always respect the iron bones and tough men. Although you are a spy, you are worthy in my eyes. If you tell me the truth, I can spare your life!”

Rong Yan stopped laughing and said coldly, his head held high: “If you don’t believe me, what else can I say? I heard you are a great master with your indomitable strategy and tactics. When a man is born in the world, he should take building a career as his priority, so I aspired to do so and risked stealing Wei Shao’s map to come and join you. I do not expect you to be suspicious and have a vain name! Far inferior to Wei Shao! I have misjudged you. But it is too late to regret! If you want to kill me, just kill. Do you think I am afraid?”

“My Lord! I can guarantee that Changlu is not Wei Shao’s spy! He only expressed his doubts and also strongly prevented me not to report to My Lord, lest I mistakenly hurt Zhu Zeng’s innocence! I can testify for Changlu!” Zhang Yan was beside him, overflowing with emotion.

Le Zheng Gong stared at Rong Yan for a moment, his haze faded, and suddenly laughed loudly, picking up the map he had just thrown from the ground, went forward, holding Rong Yan’s arm with both hands and said joyfully: “I was just testing! Changlu is a true hero. I am impressed by his bravery! From now on, I have another good minister. This is the blessing of heaven!”

Rong Yan smiled. He performed the salute again. Le Zheng Gong gave him an official position. The anxious Zhang Yan reminded him, “Lord, we cannot delay Zhu Zeng’s matter. We should immediately catch him for questioning!”

Le Zheng Gong pondered. He abandoned Luoyang and helped Xing Xun’s Northern Expedition because he listened to Zhu Zeng. The war was imminent, and Wei Shao was at a disadvantage. At this critical moment, a surrendered enemy member brought the news that Zhu Zeng was a spy. It was suspicious, so he deliberately tested it.

At this moment, although he believed that Rong Yan was sincere, he was doubtful about the matter of Zhu Zeng, or rather, he was incredulous. Then he said: “Changlu has said just now that he did not hear Wei Shao and Gongsun Yang’s full words. No need to alarm people first. I have my plan.” He also instructed Rong Yan not to show his face for a few days.