At this juncture, whether Duke Wen had proactively resigned or Si Fengwu had initiated it, the public perception would be that Si Fengwu was ungrateful and heartless.
However, the Wen and Chi families had each encountered some issues. Capitalizing on this provided a twofold benefit: it allowed them to play along with the scheme, lure out the mastermind, and fulfill the wishes of the three elder statesmen.
Yet, Si Fengwu himself had never intended for these three old officials to step down.
Lu Qingwan noticed his furrowed brow and gently smoothed it out. "What's with the worry? Duke Wen and the others did all this to help the new dynasty establish itself faster. As long as their stance aligns with ours, the rest can be sorted out gradually. Is it really that stressful?"
Si Fengwu was genuinely worried. Just as Duke Wen and the others understood Si Fengwu, he also understood Duke Wen, Elder Chi, and the King of Nan. Since they had solemnly proposed this matter, they wouldn't let him simply dismiss it. Si Fengwu knew without a doubt that if he refused to let these three step down, they would eventually find a way to oust him from his current position.
However, these were merely his speculations, and even if he was confident they were accurate, he couldn't present them as facts for discussion. Therefore, despite his myriad of unspoken concerns, he could only convey this to Lu Qingwan: "Once people leave, the tea grows cold. You know what they would face if I were to agree to their request and remove them from their posts at this time. If they were incompetent, morally corrupt, or even held opposing views, I could unhesitatingly drag them down from their high positions. But precisely because they possess the capability, integrity, and loyalty, and even offered to resign to retain more talent and hasten the new dynasty's progress, I cannot in good conscience accept their sacrifice."
Lu Qingwan, upon hearing this, finally understood Si Fengwu's apprehension. For officials holding positions like Duke Wen's, departing from them meant more than just relinquishing a position with a clear price tag. No matter how well Si Fengwu managed the outward appearances, outsiders would only see one outcome: "Prime Minister Wen, Grand Scholar Chi, and the King of Nan have been dismissed." Those who had once depended on them for favors would immediately rush forward to mock and belittle them, seeking to reclaim their bruised pride lost in sycophantic flattery. Even those who had sought Duke Wen's assistance but were denied might harbor resentment.
The official posts of Prime Minister, Minister of Rites, and Minister of War were not merely affirmations of their years of service but also an invisible shield surrounding them. If this shield were suddenly removed, no one knew what kind of attacks the three might face. While Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan could protect them, who could guarantee constant, unwavering protection, twenty-four hours a day? Looking further ahead, if even upright and loyal individuals like Duke Wen and Elder Chi were to be dismissed, who would dare to serve the new dynasty with confidence and boldness?
After contemplating these implications, even Lu Qingwan, who might otherwise have been unconcerned, found herself sighing. Honestly speaking, if Duke Wen, Grand Scholar Chi, and the King of Nan truly wished to continue serving the new dynasty after resigning their current positions, she and Si Fengwu would have gained. After all, the three influential and powerful positions of Prime Minister, Minister of Personnel, and Minister of War could easily attract a group of discerning individuals. However, from a personal perspective, Lu Qingwan had no particular displeasure, but Si Fengwu's worries were not unfounded.
After a long silence, Lu Qingwan had a flash of inspiration. "How about this? Duke Wen and Grand Scholar Chi hold no noble titles. During the establishment of the new dynasty, grant them noble titles and the position of Grand Scholar of the Hall of Literary Brilliance, allowing them to continue participating in governance. Also, Grand Scholar Chi has voluntarily expelled himself from the Chi clan to prevent his relatives from abusing their power for personal gain, correct? Let's establish a rule: all those who enter the Hall of Literary Brilliance in the new dynasty shall be granted ancestral temple privileges. This way, everyone will know that although their official posts may have changed, they are still individuals not to be ignored, right?" Lu Qingwan was adept at helping others establish authority, or rather, a form of borrowed power.
Si Fengwu's tightly knit brows relaxed. "And what about the King of Nan? Duke Wen and Grand Scholar Chi have their futures arranged. It wouldn't be good to neglect the King of Nan, would it?"
Lu Qingwan let out a cold laugh. "Neglect him? We've all been played by the King of Nan!"
Si Fengwu looked bewildered, and Lian Yu, who had arrived punctually, was equally confused. "The adults just mentioned their words. Li Jin has told me everything. Your Highness, I didn't quite understand your words. How were you all played by the King of Nan?"
Lu Qingwan herself had just realized it, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. She said with a wry smile, "I'm saying that the mistakes of the Chi and Wen families would indeed implicate Duke Wen and Grand Scholar Chi. But the King of Nan, ever since he married into the King of Nan's manor thirty years ago, has belonged to the King of Nan's manor, alive or dead. Even if the Feng family were to cause a catastrophic disaster, it would have nothing to do with him. As for the King of Nan's manor, when the Holy Ancestor bestowed the surname, the King of Nan was alone, and the Qin family has had only one heir for generations. Even his noble title was preserved only when the current King of Nan married in. Tell me, where are his clan members that would force him to resign?"
The few men exchanged glances for a long time. Li Yang, who had been lurking like a shadow, quietly raised his hand. "I apologize, Your Highness, I know I shouldn't interrupt, but the King of Nan wouldn't joke about the matters of the Hall of Military Studies, would he? The matter of purchasing places in the Hall of Military Studies definitely exists. But regardless of who is responsible, the King of Nan's resignation seems rather unnecessary, doesn't it?"
If a guard like Li Yang could see this, how could Si Fengwu not understand? "A wise retreat. It seems we haven't given him enough assurance to stay!" Si Fengwu repeatedly switched the teacup in his hand, but never took a sip. "Since there is no reason to retreat, let us advance further." He slowly placed the teacup neatly in front of him. "A Prime Minister who is both skilled in civil and military affairs is precisely what is needed to stabilize the new dynasty's mixed and chaotic officialdom. What do you think?"
Lian Yu was stunned, seemingly not yet comprehending. Lu Qingwan, however, excitedly placed her small hand into Si Fengwu's palm. "Well done! I thought the same. We've reviewed all the available personnel from the Three Eastern and Southern Kingdoms and one region. There's no one more suitable for the position of Prime Minister than him!" Generally, the position of Prime Minister was held by civil officials. However, the founding Prime Minister of the new dynasty was not an easy role to fill. Without strong capabilities, one couldn't control those people. The King of Nan possessed both military experience and a seasoned understanding of officialdom. He was previously the second-rank Minister of War, and a promotion to Prime Minister would be logical and reasonable.