Is “Wei Yuanzhong was falsely accused by Zhang Yizhi and had a court debate with Zhang Shuo” true?
The Old Book of Tang, Biography of Liu Youqiu, Zhong Shaojing, Guo Yuanzhen, and Zhang Shuo records that Zhang Changzong and his brother falsely accused Wei Yuanzhong of plotting rebellion. Zhang Shuo in front of the emperor 'declared that Yuanzhong was truly not rebellious, this is Yizhi's slander.' Yuanzhong was spared death and exiled to Gaoyao. The Sui and Tang Romance, chapter 75, writes 'Wei Yuanzhong as chancellor' was falsely accused by the two Zhangs due to direct remonstrance, and Zhang Shuo debated in court to clear his name; the narrative fully matches the official history.
In the official history, Wei Yuanzhong was framed by Zhang Yizhi and obtained Zhang Shuo's righteous testimony in court; the novel depicts this case faithfully.
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