Chapter 886 - 883: Humble Plea
These court officials of the Jin Kingdom, whether they were those who succumbed to Bai Qingyan’s military power or those like Prime Minister Lu who genuinely wished to pledge allegiance to Bai Qingyan, all instructed their families that although Bai Qingyan had not yet ascended the throne, the new era of the Zhou Dynasty had already begun, and Bai Qingyan was already the Emperor of the Zhou Kingdom. They must respect and venerate Bai Qingyan, even in private, to avoid bringing disaster upon themselves.
Soon, Bai Qingyan’s orders to reappoint officials were conveyed to each residence.
Prime Minister Lu was appointed as the Imperial Master, and other officials were promoted as appropriate. Chen Taifu’s grandson, Chen Zhaolu, Dong Changyuan, and Lu Yuanqing were all greatly promoted, but there was no appointment for Li Mingrui among them.
Prime Minister Lu and his eldest son had just bathed and were preparing to rest when they heard that members of the Jin Dynasty’s royal family and nobility were coming to visit, claiming they had matters to seek Prime Minister Lu’s counsel on.
Prime Minister Lu’s eldest son hurriedly dressed and went to see his father.
"Father, I suppose these members of the Jin Dynasty royal family and nobility have learned from others about His Majesty’s intention to implement reforms. The reforms will inevitably harm the interests of the royal family and the aristocratic families, but since the Jin Dynasty has already been replaced by the Zhou Dynasty, they cannot put on airs before His Majesty and can only seek your counsel," Prime Minister Lu’s eldest son stood at the desk in his father’s study, watching his father, who had his eyes closed as Lu Yuanqing helped him squeeze his hair, and spoke worriedly, "The strength of these Jin Dynasty royal families and nobles should not be underestimated; I fear there will be chaos!"
"Do you think the troops His Majesty brought back are just for show?" Prime Minister Lu calmly kept his eyes closed, speaking slowly without a trace of worry, "His Majesty will not overlook the fact that these Jin Dynasty nobles will oppose the reforms. If my guess is correct... His Majesty must have a backup plan. Although this Majesty is a woman, she never acts without certainty!"
"Then... should we meet these Jin Dynasty nobles or not?" Prime Minister Lu’s eldest son asked.
"No!" Prime Minister Lu adjusted to a more comfortable position, "If His Majesty wishes for stable governance... the noble families of the previous dynasty must be dealt with. Meeting them now will be of no benefit..."