Many people pondered carefully. Soon, many officials raised their heads and stared at Fang Yun in astonishment.
If the Jing Kingdom was to adopt cabinet centralization in the future, what would become of its monarch?
Some officials faintly sensed that the Empress Dowager behind the curtain was trembling slightly-not from fear, but from anger.
Fang Yun added, "This is merely a model for how officials operate. It does not concern the monarch. Our Jing Kingdom will always practice cabinet centralization under the monarch's leadership."
Everyone was bewildered. This meant that, at least for now, Fang Yun had no intention of abolishing imperial authority.
Cao Dean nodded. "In that case, the Jing Kingdom will undergo no fundamental change. After all, our decrees have always been implemented only after our colleagues have discussed and deliberated over them. Void Sage Fang is merely establishing this as an explicit rule. Since that is so, this old man has nothing to oppose. Next, I ask Void Sage Fang to write a comprehensive memorial on reforming the Grand Secretariat. If a majority of its members approve, it shall be submitted to the monarch for the Empress Dowager and His Majesty to decide."
Then Cao Dean looked toward Yang Xuwen.
Yang Xuwen's gaze flickered. After considering for several breaths, he nodded firmly and said, "As long as most of our colleagues in the Grand Secretariat approve, I cannot go against the officials' wishes and will certainly support it. Of course, this must receive the approval of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty before it can be implemented."
Cao Dean smiled. "In any case, even after the officials of the Grand Secretariat make a decision, it will still require the Imperial Jade Seal before it can be implemented. For the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, little will change.