"Such self-awareness is not something everyone possesses. It can be said that for the sake of Dayou, you have demonstrated extraordinary selflessness.

Since you have acted with such resolute courage, I cannot bring myself to dishonor your intentions or wound your hearts.

Therefore, I have decided to gift each of you with a painting. Then, your requests will be granted."

As these words were spoken, everyone was stunned, especially the eight individuals, who were dumbfounded. Did they hear it wrong, or did King You really agree to their request to retire to their hometowns?

Was it a hallucination?

Why did he say such a thing?

Does he not realize that once these individuals leave the Imperial Court, it will cause an immediate upheaval? If they truly retire, won’t the skies over Dayou change?

However, at this moment, no matter what they thought, it had already become reality. Lin Yi didn’t give them a chance to speak. After finishing those words, he waved his hand towards the Guards at his side, and said:

"My beloved ministers, after serving Dayou for half your lives, I have decided to personally have you escorted back to your hometowns, announcing your retirement. Not only that, but I also want you to leave in grandeur, ensuring everyone knows that you are the meritorious ministers of Dayou.

Attend them. Ensure they are served well."

Once these words were spoken, the Guards on both sides immediately bowed in response, quickly stepping forward to lift the eight individuals completely, ignoring their protests, and escorting them out.

Meanwhile, the remaining officials in the court were struck dumb with fear.

No one anticipated such an outcome. They had imagined countless results, yet never considered that all the Chancellors and Ministers of the Six Departments would be dismissed.

This was entirely against everything they understood. To stabilize the kingdom, it seemed crucial to support these eight individuals.

Only by doing so could they revel in prosperity, ensuring that the new sovereign could truly command Dayou’s empire.

In their eyes, the status of these individuals was beyond question, representing various powerful factions.

For this reason, it was assured that behind the eight individuals were substantial family influences.

Now, their sudden removal would undoubtedly spark repercussions, plunging Dayou into crisis.

This was no alarmist talk. The forces of the aristocratic families were significantly powerful, and indeed, they had private armies of considerable size.

Frankly, if an aristocratic family decided to defy imperial power to the end, they could quickly assemble an army of tens of thousands.

Moreover, these troops were unlike those in the Imperial City; they were meticulously selected and trained.

After all, who would keep idlers in their ranks?

What family doesn’t raise real talent?

Yet now, despite their doubts and confusion regarding Lin Yi’s actions, this happened blatantly before them, witnessing Lin Yi demoting the six Ministers and two Chancellors back home.

This was something strikingly unexpected; all were left standing, speechless.

Fortunately, it was Lin Yi, standing upon the platform, who broke the silence once more, saying:

"Now, given these individuals wish to retire, I have granted their request. However, the departments cannot be left without heads for a day, so I have decided from this day forward, all Assistant Ministers will be promoted one level.

The current Assistant Ministers will take the positions of Ministers.

As for the positions of Chancellors, they will temporarily remain unfilled.

Should suitable talent be found in the future, appointments will be made accordingly."

As soon as these words were uttered, the room was abuzz with astonishment.

Each looking at the other with incredulity in their expressions.

Nonetheless, this disbelief did not linger long. After a few breaths, someone among them first reacted, stepping forward.

When the others saw him, they were stunned.

This young fellow was indeed familiar—a newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

He could be said to have the cleanest record; his family wasn’t of agricultural origin, but the highest position within his family had been but a third-rank official. Now, he emerged as the family’s greatest talent, yet they could only rank as a second class family.

For a true first class family, at least one must hold a Ministerial position.

Ideally, it required a Chancellor to support it.

No one expected that during morning court, this conceivably lowly family could chance upon ascending to the first tier, opportunities laid before them.

Expressing loyalty to King Lin Yi could grant such power.

Instantly, those who were previous aides to the dismissed Ministers and Chancellors dismissed past loyalties. Envisioning their potential as Ministers ignited their minds with prospects—bringing unparalleled benefits to their family or themselves.

As for those eight removed by Lin Yi,

they could only gasp; who would focus on them?

Ever heard the saying? "When people leave, the tea cools." Losing their position and influence spells ruin, not only for them but also for their families entering decline.

[To be continued...]

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