At Chu Fan's signal, Chu Anping, the six ministers and his third uncle all left the imperial study. Then Chu Fan took Qiu Ya and other women back to the bedroom.

The atmosphere in the bedroom became more private and peaceful. It was already very late after Chu Fan, Qiu Ya and other women practiced the Jade Girl Heart.

Since Liu Ruyan had sworn allegiance to Chu Fan, her practice of the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra was smoother than before, and her internal strength had significantly improved. At the same time, because Liu Xueyu had just returned to Wei and was unaware of the existence of the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, Chu Fan also needed to teach her the practice method of the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra.

After practicing with Chu Fan, Liu Xueyu needed more rest due to her pregnancy, so she was led by a palace maid to rest in the palace where she had lived after coming to Wei State.

Liu Ruyan was sitting next to Chu Fan at this time. She asked in confusion, "Your Majesty, just now you only made demands on those officials without mentioning any rewards for the Wei people. You just let them do their work. Wouldn't this cause dissatisfaction among them?"

Chu Fan smiled slightly after hearing this and answered Liu Ruyan's question: "Who said I didn't reward them? If you think about it carefully, the reward has already been given. I believe that with your intelligence, you will be able to figure it out."

Liu Ruyan asked tentatively with a hint of uncertainty in her tone, "Is this about sending Wei officials to take up important positions in the newly developed territories?"

Chu Fan smiled and replied in an approving tone, "You are not stupid, that's exactly the condition. You should know that the newly developed territory needs to re-establish order and management system, and in this process, there is a huge space for manipulation.

"I have given them the quota for dispatch. This means they have the opportunity to establish their own network of influence in new regions, while also being the first to expand their family businesses into new territories. This reward is far more meaningful to them than gold and silver treasures. Furthermore, they will gain greater benefits, and the Wei court will not have to spend more gold and silver to reward them."

Liu Ruyan finally grasped the truth after hearing this. She realized that, if rewards were to be given, the officials who had come to the Imperial Study today were already among the highest-ranking officials in the court, and it was impossible to grant them higher positions. Furthermore, their own desire for gold, silver, and treasures was no longer urgent; what they desired more was to continue their family's glory and expand their influence.

For these officials, the apparent rewards might not be very attractive, but Chu Fan gave them an opportunity for their family's younger generations to make a name for themselves, so they would naturally do their utmost to be loyal to the State of Wei. This was because they also had a vested interest in this matter. Only by getting things done well could the younger generations of their own families take this opportunity to make a name for themselves and realize their own life values.

If they didn't address potential threats beforehand, their descendants would likely encounter various unknown obstacles and risks when they were sent to serve as officials in the newly developed territories, and they might even be plotted against by those with ulterior motives. Therefore, they had to do their utmost to complete the tasks assigned by Chu Fan and ensure everything went smoothly, in order to protect the future and interests of their family.

Liu Ruyan said, "Your Majesty's talent is truly admirable. Not only does he deeply understand human nature, but he also skillfully combines interests and loyalty. If I had been so tactful back then, I wouldn't have ended up in this situation in the Canglan Empire."

Liu Ruyan's words were tinged with self-mockery, yet also revealed a deep admiration for His Majesty's wisdom. Thinking back to her own predicament in the Canglan Empire, Liu Ruyan felt a surge of emotion. She recalled those difficult years, those days spent struggling in the maelstrom of power, and the opportunities she missed due to a lack of tact and wisdom. Her heart was filled with reflection on the past and anticipation for the future.

Chu Fan patted her shoulder and said with a smile, "I just don't want to deal with those tedious affairs. If I don't give these officials some power, then they will push everything to me and ask me to handle it. In this way, won't I become their official duties? Appropriate delegation of power will not only allow them to work hard, but also allow me to have enough time to rest and think about national affairs."

Liu Ruyan nodded, deeply impressed by Chu Fan's wisdom and courage. She thought that if she had become the empress of the Canglan Empire, she would never have achieved the same level of awareness as Chu Fan. If she had become the empress, she would never have dared to delegate power like Chu Fan did.

After all, human hearts cannot withstand the test. Once an ambitious person gains real power, the consequences will be disastrous. She is well aware of the temptation and danger of power, and understands that Chu Fan's delegation of power is not without risks, but she sincerely admires Chu Fan's courage and decisiveness.

Chu Fan continued, "It's late at night. Let's get some rest first. We still have a lot of things to deal with tomorrow."

After a busy night, Chu Fan finally fell asleep exhausted. Meanwhile, Liu Ruyan stood quietly by the window, her gaze fixed on the bright moon in the night sky. Qiu Ya walked gently to Liu Ruyan's side and asked with a hint of concern, "Miss Liu, do you regret making this decision today?"

Liu Ruyan gently shook her head and replied in a soft voice, "Life is like chess; once a move is made, there are no regrets. Furthermore, the Majesty we follow is a wise monarch whose wisdom and courage far surpass those of ordinary people. Following him is undoubtedly the wisest choice for me. Furthermore, everything I do is to leave a way out for myself and my family."

If the State of Wei really conquers the Canglan Empire in the future, even if Your Majesty promises to treat the people of the newly developed territories equally, the same may not be true for the aristocratic families in those lands. Your Majesty will never allow them to exist and will never allow them to continue to exploit the people.

Liu Ruyan knew very well that although her family was the royal family of the Canglan Empire, there were also some bad elements in the family. If she did not prepare in advance, her mother would most likely be implicated.

As long as he became someone close to Chu Fan, then once the Wei Kingdom occupied the Canglan Empire, he would be more cautious in dealing with his family. After all, the court ministers of the Wei Kingdom were not stupid. They would weigh the pros and cons and would not easily embarrass the people around His Majesty.

Besides, I have been abandoned by the Canglan Empire. What good will it do for a weak woman like me to stay in Wei? It would be better for me to find a solid support for myself."