Wang Yang was the most controversial case.
Ordinarily, there should have been little dispute over rewarding Wang Yang for returning to allegiance and pacifying the barbarians.
First, the overall approach had already been settled. Since everyone from Wang Yi down to the Jing Army's commanders was to be credited for pacifying the barbarians, how could Wang Yang be excluded?
Second, although Wang Yang had a formidable reputation in Jingzhou, in the Capital he was merely a passing topic, dismissed in a sentence or two. In terms of actual attention, he received far less than he did within the Capital's Classical Studies circles.
Since few people paid him much attention, they naturally had little reason to make trouble for him.
Of course, this also had to do with Wang Yi standing out in front. Bringing the barbarians into the fold and opening trade was no small matter at court, but most people regarded it as Wang Yi's work, especially since Wang Yi had already been known for his knowledge of barbarian affairs.
(Chapter 215, "The Willing Take the Bait": "I have long heard that your uncle is well versed in barbarian affairs. Having heard what you said today, I see his reputation is indeed deserved.")
Moreover, Wang Yi's original assignment upon coming to Jingzhou had been to carry the imperial tally into barbarian territory to proclaim the imperial decree and take special charge of the Wenyang Man case. Wang Yang had been acting in Wang Yi's name all along.
Thus, whether they opposed opening the Barbarian Route to trade or resented the Barbarian Tribes' "Six No's" conditions for submission, they all concentrated their fire on Wang Yi. Wang Yang attracted little hostility.
Of course, that was assuming Wang Yang did not defend the Prince of Badong.
Defending someone and pleading for