The capital was never short of lavish mountain villas and manors, so Nan Wu Shang and Chi Jing Chuan hadn't put much thought into choosing locations for their respective territories back then.
Now, moving to Jin Cheng, they actually had to undertake extensive construction.
Even the Jin Cheng imperial palace required temporary expansion, let alone the various government offices. Academies, martial arts halls, and the residences of civil and military officials—it would take at least half a year for Jin Cheng to become a complete imperial city.
Lu Qing Wan poked her head out of the carriage window, breathing in the fresh mountain air with a cheerful tone, "Since that's the case, why did you still let Prime Minister Wen and the others bring the officials to Jin Cheng first? With so many people, aren't you afraid they'll be sleeping on the streets and give you, their new master, a big, bad review?"
In fact, saying "officials" was a bit of an exaggeration.
Those whom Si Feng Wu had packed off to Jin Cheng were actually the principal officials of each department, totaling less than thirty people.
However, this small group of less than thirty people held the key to the direction of the new dynasty, so Lu Qing Wan was genuinely curious about Si Feng Wu's move.
Si Feng Wu was also forthright. Upon hearing Lu Qing Wan's question, he frankly stated, "The new dynasty is newly established, the imperial city is new, and the various departmental offices are also new. During this period, it will be the greatest test of the capabilities and character of the principal officials of each department. I have allowed them to recruit their own subordinates and establish their own offices. Money, power, and reputation are all in their hands. Guess how many can withstand the temptation of the generous construction funds?"
Recruiting personnel, building residences, establishing new offices... who could accurately estimate how much silver and land these would require? Even if they occasionally skimmed a bit, who would know?
Si Feng Wu and Lu Qing Wan were far away in the capital, where the emperor's influence was distant. When constraints were far away, people's courage grew.
Lu Qing Wan listened with a pounding heart, "You've sent all the principal officials of the court to the new capital, and you're staying here, staking your entire fortune and life to test their character and abilities. You're too audacious!"
Si Feng Wu was essentially gambling with the entire empire. If he won, the ministers would be loyal and brave, and the future of the new dynasty would be bright and clear. But if he lost, and the funds and personnel for building the new capital were all lost, how would he then become the emperor of the new dynasty?
"Don't worry, Prime Minister Wen and the others didn't go to the new capital just to retire."
The carriage stopped in front of a secluded ancient temple, and Si Feng Wu leaped down, extending his hand to Lu Qing Wan. "The saying 'the emperor's influence is distant' didn't come from nowhere. Before I ascend the throne, we can still travel around and deal with any issues on the spot. But in the future, there will inevitably be times when we can't attend to everything. Rather than letting problems fester unknown to us and wreak havoc, it's better to nip the possibility of such problems in the bud now. I want to let the world know that even if I hold a high position in the court, no one can get away with playing tricks to deceive me."
Lu Qing Wan only then realized that what she saw as an extremely risky gamble was, in Si Feng Wu's eyes, a confident display of power. Realizing this belatedly, she found it both unexpected and entirely in character. After all, when had Si Feng Wu ever suffered a loss?
"Your Highness intends to purify the atmosphere of the new dynasty?" Lu Qing Wan couldn't think of any other reason for Si Feng Wu to go to such lengths besides purifying the court's atmosphere.
Si Feng Wu readily admitted, "The atmosphere of a dynasty is determined by its rulers. If the emperor's heart is set on the welfare of the realm, then even if his ministers have selfish motives, they won't completely disregard public opinion. I want to create a clean government where officials each attend to their duties, and if they do their jobs properly, the system will function normally, without anyone needing to curry favor or fawn over others. Your Consort, do you think this idea of mine is feasible?"
Lu Qing Wan found that whenever she discovered something remarkable about Si Feng Wu, he always managed to surprise her with something even greater. She had initially thought Si Feng Wu merely wanted to clean up the court's atmosphere and ensure the officials of the new dynasty diligently served the court. To her surprise, his ideological realm had, unbeknownst to her, ascended to a dimension she hadn't even reached.
"It's possible, very possible!" Upon hearing Si Feng Wu's words, she replied without hesitation, "You're right, the atmosphere of a dynasty is determined by its rulers. Since you have the determination to create such a clean and transparent government, those below will follow your example for various reasons. Even if they have their own ulterior motives, as long as their initial intentions remain pure, who would dare to come before us and stir up trouble?"
Previously, there were former officials of the Great Gan who refused to change their ways, and people from the Wu An Palace caused trouble in pursuit of the King of Ten Thousand Phoenixes and the True Dragon Token. Now, all former officials of the Great Gan have been removed, and the King of Ten Thousand Phoenixes and the True Dragon Token have been handed over. Everything about the new dynasty is brand new. As long as no one deliberately causes trouble, the waters of the new dynasty can indeed remain clear to the bottom forever.
Even though she knew in her heart that the future of the new dynasty wouldn't change because of Lu Qing Wan's words, Si Feng Wu's mood inexplicably lifted.
"I knew it, no matter what I do, my Consort will always believe in me." Si Feng Wu said, taking Lu Qing Wan's hand. "Let's go. I promised you I'd bring you here. Let's go see it together."
Lu Qing Wan's attention then shifted to the serene ancient temple before them. Unlike the luxurious Xiangguo Temple, this ancient temple was as tranquil as a natural object that had always existed there, harmoniously nestled among the ancient pines and cypresses, exuding an unparalleled sense of peaceful beauty.
"Zhaojue Temple?" Lu Qing Wan softly read the ancient name on the plaque. "Why did you suddenly decide to bring me here?"
"I promised you something, and although it's been delayed, I still want to fulfill it." Si Feng Wu said, walking into Zhaojue Temple with her hand in his. Lu Qing Wan, utterly bewildered, tried to recall when Si Feng Wu had ever mentioned bringing her to Zhaojue Temple.
Zhaojue Temple was much smaller than Xiangguo Temple. Before Lu Qing Wan could figure anything out, they had already reached the main hall. On the principle of showing at least basic respect even if she didn't believe, Lu Qing Wan followed Si Feng Wu in a bow, though her mind was racing with questions. Si Feng Wu didn't seem like someone who believed in gods or buddhas, so why would he suddenly want to come and pay respects?
As she was pondering, the old abbot attending to the incense offerings spoke, "Two benefactors, please follow this old monk!"
Lu Qing Wan was still in a daze when she saw Si Feng Wu showing great respect to the old abbot and followed him step by step into the meditation room. Upon entering the meditation room, Si Feng Wu suddenly changed his polite demeanor and performed a junior's bow to the old abbot, saying, "Master Bai, I've brought my Consort to see you." The old abbot nodded kindly, "Your Highness is thoughtful..."