"Indeed, since I took charge of the Southern King's Mansion, the clan members on both sides have been refused entry by me more times than they've had meals at home. How could they possibly dare to use my banner to sell enrollment spots in the Military Training Hall?"
Having finished speaking, he quickly turned and asked Chancellor Chi, "Right, elder, you mentioned earlier that those causing trouble were people under your wing. Were they your advisors or your disciples?"
Though Chancellor Chi was a scholar, he could be quite formidable when roused.
To prevent his clansmen from exploiting his identity, he had requested to withdraw from the Chi clan and establish his own lineage the very day he took office as Minister of Personnel.
Thus, the Chi family could not gain any advantage from him.
Although Chancellor Chi did not understand the reason for the Southern King's agitation, he replied honestly, "It should be an official I personally promoted. For the specifics, we'll have to wait for Tang Xiao's investigation."
Without needing further inquiry, Prime Minister Wen stepped forward, "Someone approached Wenxu last night, and this morning, the boy came to the Prime Minister's mansion to find me.
The other party met him at night, completely covered by a cloak from head to toe, and their voice was very strange, making it impossible to distinguish between male and female.
However, the invitation they extended was very clear, and the conditions were quite enticing.
As long as Wenxu agreed to let their Gu Liang Commercial Firm's caravan transport a batch of goods for them, they would ensure that Wenxu secured the official salt business of a portion of the three southeastern kingdoms."
Upon hearing this, everyone present let out a sigh.
"The official salt business of a portion of the three southeastern kingdoms – even the Imperial Court hasn't dared to interfere. This mysterious person has quite an audacious claim!"
Lu Qingwan raised an eyebrow, "Did Wenxu mention what the goods were that the other party asked him to transport?"
Prime Minister Wen shook his head, "Wenxu doesn't believe in pies falling from the sky. He did not agree to the other party's request, but out of caution, he specifically left them an opening, saying he needed to consider it.
If the King and Queen Regent are amenable, perhaps Wenxu can make a trip.
Regardless of the official salt business, at the very least, we can ascertain what goods they wanted Wenxu to transport.
Furthermore, given their unscrupulous methods in causing the Southern King, Chancellor Chi, and my Wen clan members to err, shouldn't we also give them an opportunity to reveal themselves?"
By this point, everyone understood that while the Chi family, the Southern King's Mansion, and the Wen clan members might indeed have made mistakes, there were undoubtedly individuals instigating and fueling their errors.
Those who committed the mistakes needed to be dealt with, but those who instigated or forced them to err should be dealt with even more severely.
Prime Minister Wen presenting Wenxu was already a clear indication of his stance.
Chancellor Chi, upon hearing this, chimed in cooperatively, "Perhaps I could ask Tang Xiao to cease his investigation for now and also employ a counter-strategy?"
The Southern King quickly waved his hand, "That won't do, elder Chi. Employing a counter-strategy also has its costs. If I continue with this, those few true stalwarts of the Black Armored Army will either be driven to suicide or forced to commit it in despair.
This matter escalating could be quite unsightly.
As for other matters, you may handle them as you see fit. My part is simple: as soon as the King gives the order, I must arrest people.
If I don't act swiftly, these ungrateful descendants might bring about the downfall of my entire clan!"
It was evident to all that the mastermind behind the scenes intended to implicate these three elder statesmen.
To prevent them from supporting Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan, they had no existing weaknesses, so weaknesses were manufactured to harm these three.
Lu Qingwan felt a mix of sadness and amusement. She nudged Si Fengwu, who spoke at the opportune moment.
"Gentlemen, please do not worry. Since this is a deliberate act by someone with malicious intent, I will not let them succeed.
As long as you all attend to your respective duties, I will ensure these matters do not continue to trouble you."
As Si Fengwu spoke, he was preparing to take action himself.
Prime Minister Wen and the others knew that once Si Fengwu intervened, the actions of those clan members would likely not implicate them.
However, Prime Minister Wen still shook his head and said gravely, "Your Highness, you cannot.
You can help us for a moment, but you cannot help us for a lifetime.
As long as we old fellows remain in court, even without external instigation, such matters will inevitably arise.
Perhaps, we should let them believe they have succeeded."
Chancellor Chi nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Your Highness. I am old, and Prime Minister Wen is also old. Our ability to do much in court is limited.
Some things can still be accomplished outside of court.
Let them believe they have succeeded; merely assigning us minor, nominal positions will prevent them from finding fault.
However, one crucial point is that the selection of officials for the new dynasty must be firmly in the hands of you and the Queen Regent, and not be swayed by others."
...
They had not even finalized their own placements, yet they were already worrying about the future of the new dynasty.
Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan were moved beyond words.
"So, gentlemen, your visit today to report your clansmen's errors to the King and me was merely incidental. This, then, is what you truly wished to discuss with us?"
The three elder statesmen, feeling their energy waning and their continued presence in their current roles being more detrimental than beneficial to the new dynasty, had long wished to step aside.
If they had wanted to retire and enjoy their remaining years in peace, Lu Qingwan might have understood.
But they intended to vacate their crucial positions so that Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan could use these offices to attract more talent.
As for themselves, they would take on different roles and continue to serve the new dynasty.
Such magnanimity left Lu Qingwan somewhat bewildered as to their motivations.
Having their hidden intentions exposed by Lu Qingwan, the three elder statesmen became even more composed.
"We should have spoken of this long ago.
Here is a compilation of all civil and military officials in the three southeastern kingdoms, along with their suitable positions, that Prime Minister Wen, Chancellor Chi, and the Southern King have organized.
The King and Queen Regent may use it as a reference."
A thick stack of booklets was opened to reveal detailed profiles of individuals, focusing on their past achievements and styles of governance, with suggested positions at the end.
Lu Qingwan's eyes welled up as she read. "And what about yourselves?"
"The imperial court has countless official positions; there will always be a place for us. Does the Queen Regent worry that we will have nowhere to go?"
Prime Minister Wen stroked his beard and chuckled, "You two may consider it slowly. We shall await your news."
As he spoke, Chancellor Chi and the Southern King also rose.
When the door opened, it was already evening.
Si Fengwu signaled to Li Yang, "Have someone escort the three lords back to their residences."
Being escorted by the Emperor's personal guards was the highest honor. Although Si Fengwu was not yet the Emperor, these three elder statesmen were worthy of such a distinction.
This was both a ceremonial farewell and a subtle refusal of their resignations.
The three elder statesmen also knew that given Si Fengwu's attitude towards them since his return to Daqian, setting aside others for the moment, he held no disrespect for them.
It was clear to all that he had no intention of displacing the Prime Minister, the Minister of Personnel, or the Minister of War.