Wei Zi Wei did not answer, and Feng Yan did not ask again.
Instead, he continued to clear up his disciple's doubts.
"Kou Yuan doesn't want to resign. He's forcing His Majesty to choose.
Investigating the Grain Embezzlement Case is his assignment, but the Ministry of Revenue won't obey him.
So he submitted a resignation memorial to make His Majesty sweep away the obstacles in the Ministry of Revenue and give him real authority.
Now His Majesty's verbal decree has been issued, and the Ministry of Revenue is already in his pocket.
What do you think he'll do next?"
"If he already has the authority, then to secure its benefits..."
Wei Nisheng fell silent for a moment, then said quietly,
"He'll keep investigating the Grain Embezzlement Case."
"No! He'll close the Grain Embezzlement Case."
Feng Yan's expression remained as composed as ever.
"Shen Duan has already surrendered some of his authority over the Ministry of Revenue. Kou Yuan has won this battle.
There's no reason for him to take your ledger and fight Shen Duan to the death.
After all, if they fight to the death...
Shen Duan will certainly fall, but Kou Yuan may not escape unscathed either.
So he'll quit while he's ahead, pin the Grain Embezzlement Case on a few petty clerks at the Granary Depot, then report back to His Majesty.
That way, he gets his authority, and His Majesty gets a way to step down gracefully.
That's called each getting what he needs."
As Wei Nisheng listened, his expression gradually changed.
Feng Yan looked at him, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Zi'an, do you know why His Majesty wants to protect Shen Duan?"
"Because Shen Duan works for His Majesty," Feng Yan answered his own question.
"You, I, all the civil and military officials