Chu Anping asked with a hint of doubt in his tone, "Your Majesty, could you please enlighten us and explain in detail the specific measures and implementation details of the 'equal treatment' policy you proposed?"

Chu Fan replied in a firm yet calm tone, "By 'equal treatment,' I mean that as long as we are citizens of the State of Wei, everyone should receive the same rewards, face the same punishments, bear the same work responsibilities, and enjoy the same treatment. This policy will not take into account their origins; no matter where they come from, we will treat everyone equally."

By doing so, we can effectively bridge regional divides and rally the hearts and minds of the people across the nation, thereby ensuring the long-term stability of our newly conquered territory. I understand that some of you may not fully grasp the profound significance of my words yet, but please rest assured that you can raise any questions you have without reservation, and I will patiently answer them one by one.

At this time, the Minister of Revenue, Qian Dai, spoke with a slightly worried look on his face: "Your Majesty, if we include the people in the newly opened territories in the same treatment system as the original people of Wei, will this cause jealousy and dissatisfaction among the original residents?

After all, these newly-incorporated people are merely foreigners conquered by the State of Wei. If they were to enjoy the same treatment as our native people, it would likely arouse public resentment and cause unnecessary social unrest. Therefore, Your Majesty, please clarify your doubts and explain your thoughtful considerations."

Chu Fan responded with a smile and a relaxed tone, "Who said the purpose of our trip is to conquer? Can't you use your brains a little and come up with a more noble reason? Are we really going to conquer? No, we are going to rescue those innocent people who are living in dire straits and suffering from oppression, and bring them a better life."

Chu Fan turned to Liu Ruyan and said with a hint of anticipation, "Miss Liu, please tell us, when our Wei Kingdom decides to attack the Xiongnu and the Qian Kingdom, what slogan should we put forward to truly win the hearts of those people?"

Liu Ruyan had been in Wei for such a long time, and she had discussed many things with Chu Fan. Adding to the historical novels Chu Fan had been reading, Liu Ruyan had gradually formed her own opinions. She began to speak:

“If Wei really wants to attack the Xiongnu and Gan, then we should first make it clear that Wei’s intention is not unprovoked aggression, but demand that the rulers of the Xiongnu and Gan give a reasonable explanation for their aggressive actions against Wei last year.

Of course, if the rulers of the Xiongnu and Gan states refused to pay compensation or ignored Wei's reasonable demands, then Wei could, in the name of justice, punish those unjust individuals and thus justify its attack on the Xiongnu and Gan states."

"But if the rulers of the Xiongnu and Gan states choose to accept our terms and are willing to compromise, then we should find some poor people from the Xiongnu or Gan states and have them tell us firsthand about the oppression and suffering they have endured. They long to escape this miserable life and hope that Wei will lend a hand and rescue their fellow citizens.

By doing this, we can not only showcase Wei as a righteous army, but also truly win the hearts and minds of the people, ensuring that the people of the newly conquered territories will willingly accept our rule. As for treating the people of these new territories fairly and justly, their hearts will naturally turn to us, and how can there be any resentment?

After listening to Liu Ruyan's words, Chu Fan agreed deeply and nodded in affirmation. He said, "Miss Liu's point is indeed very pertinent. This is exactly the principle we should follow. We need not only to achieve victory through force, but also to win the hearts of the people through virtue, so that all people can truly experience the benevolent policies and deep care of the Wei State."

Furthermore, the past hatreds between the Xiongnu, the Gan, and the Wei states were actually fueled by the greed and tyranny of their rulers, not personal grudges between ordinary people. You can observe that even when prisoners of war from the Xiongnu and Gan were subjected to the most arduous labor in Wei, their faces were often filled with smiles. This was because they were treated with due respect in Wei, and they were guaranteed adequate food and clothing, ensuring the basic needs of life were met.

"If you tell them that if they are willing to join the Wei army, they will not only be free but also enjoy the same treatment as ordinary people in Wei, do you think they will respond positively? They originally lived in a very difficult situation in their own country, but now, even as prisoners of war, their living conditions in Wei are far better than in their own country.

Moreover, having witnessed the stable and prosperous lives of the people of Wei, they naturally felt envious. Joining the Wei army could not only change their own destinies, but also bring a better life to their families. How could they easily let such an opportunity go?

"You might worry that if the people of the newly opened territories receive the same treatment as the people of Wei, the people of Wei might be dissatisfied. But have you ever considered that the people of Wei are already relatively well-off, and that Wei is about to launch a new education program aimed at improving the quality and cultural level of its people?"

"In fact, the people of Wei are already enjoying the various welfare policies provided by the state. Even if the people of the newly opened territories can enjoy the same policies, the people of Wei will still maintain their leading position. Another point is that the people of the newly opened territories are enjoying the policies. If they want to live a good life, they have to work hard to create it themselves, rather than being able to enjoy the living conditions of the current people of Wei from the beginning.

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