Please Rebel!

History says that beauty can ruin a nation, so why is it that the more wives I take, the more secure my regime becomes?

History says that corrupt eunuchs can ruin a nation, so why is it that ...

Chapter 445 Chu Junyuan encountered another problem

After listening to Chu Zhenglin's words, Chu Fan thought that the approach of the Ministry of Rites and the Royal Government Affairs Office was still very feasible. You must know that if you want the people to accept a new thing, the rulers must take the lead and set an example, so that ordinary people can use it with confidence.

When he first took out sweet potatoes and corn in the court, even the ministers in the court did not dare to try them easily. In the end, only after he ate them himself did the ministers in the court imitate him and start to try them.

Today, the steam locomotive is even more of a behemoth. If the emperor does not experience it in person in front of the people, how can the people dare to ride it with confidence?

Some people might even think that such a huge object, which can move on its own, is a monster and might even be frightened. This would be detrimental to the promotion of steam locomotives and could even be used by those with ulterior motives to create panic.

If other countries were to exploit this and spread rumors that steam trains were ominous or a form of witchcraft, it would likely trigger a public backlash, leading to civilians destroying the railway facilities. This would then cost the State of Wei more to maintain the railway, and the gains would be greater than the losses.

If, as an emperor, he led the royal family and civil and military officials to ride a steam locomotive in front of the people in Kaifeng City when he got married, he could eliminate the concerns of most of the people, so that the people would no longer resist steam locomotives and even actively accept this new thing.

Another point is that as Chu Zhenglin is his elder brother, it is impossible for him to do anything that is detrimental to him. You must know that the emperor of Wei cannot be replaced by killing the reigning emperor. To become the emperor of Wei, one must obtain the approval of the royal elders. If Chu Zhenglin really does something that is detrimental to him, the royal elders will never sit idly by.

Chu Fan said, "I agree with your arrangement. The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works and other departments will consult and complete all preparations to ensure the ceremony goes smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Minister of Rites Fu Youde secretly breathed a sigh of relief. His Majesty was planning to marry five concubines this time, and as the Minister of Rites, he couldn't possibly arrange all five weddings in the same format. Out of respect for the concubines, he had to be innovative.

This time, after hearing that the Ministry of Works had completed the railway between the three Acropolis and Kaifeng City, he proposed combining the wedding with the first ride ceremony of the steam locomotive. This would not only convince the people of the safety of steam locomotives, but also give Empress Changsun a unique wedding. It was a solution that killed two birds with one stone.

When His Majesty really agreed, Fu Youde was very happy. In this way, there would only be the weddings of the two imperial concubines to prepare for, and the pressure on the Ministry of Rites would be greatly reduced.

Fu Youde said respectfully, "I will live up to Your Majesty's expectations and prepare the wedding and the first ride ceremony to perfection."

Chu Fan nodded. He still had great faith in Fu Youde's ability. After all, Fu Youde was also a veteran minister in the court, and he was also a veteran minister who had experienced the most difficult times for Wei State last year. He carefully calculated every budget for the wedding to ensure that every penny was spent wisely.

Chu Fan asked, "Do you have anything else to report?"

Chu Zhenglin said, "I have one more matter to report. The Textile Department, jointly established by the imperial family and the court, has been officially established. The textile mill and looms are ready. We have also purchased over 10,000 kilograms of wool from the Xiongnu. The Sixth Lord has asked me to ask Your Majesty if we can begin wool textile production."

Chu Fan said, "Although the weather has turned warmer, wool weaving must officially begin. You know, in the second half of the year, the Wei army will go north to fight the Xiongnu, and warm clothing is essential. Wool sweaters are the best among warm clothing. We are now preparing hundreds of thousands of sets to be stored in the warehouse so that they can be distributed in time when winter comes to ensure that the soldiers are not affected by the severe cold.

The people of Wei also needed such clothing to protect themselves from the harsh winter weather. If production were to resume in winter, it would likely be too late to meet the needs of the army and the people. However, the factories that processed wool, produced wool yarn, and woven clothing had to be separated, so workers could not know exactly what raw materials were being used or how the sweaters would be used.

Of course, it’s not that I don’t trust my people, but when more people know about it, it’s inevitable that some people will let things slip. Even if it’s not intentional, it may cause a lot of unnecessary trouble.

The most important point is that if the Huns knew that we used wool to make winter clothes, they would most likely raise the price of wool, or simply stop selling it to Wei.

So, by separating everyone, those who process the wool don’t know what will be made into it later, and those who weave it don’t know what raw materials they are using to make clothes. This way, information can be kept confidential and the plan can proceed smoothly.

Chu Zhenglin replied, "I will go back and convey Your Majesty's words to all involved, and ensure the proper confidentiality."

Seeing that Chu Zhenglin and Fu Youde had no intention of continuing to talk, Chu Fan said, "If there is nothing else, go down and do what you need to do."

Chu Zhenglin and Fu Youde responded in unison and bowed before retreating.

However, not long after, Chu Junyuan, the Lord of Five Star City, arrived at the Imperial Palace. Chu Fan was puzzled. Hadn't he already given clear instructions regarding the academy's construction? Why did Chu Junyuan come in person? Could it be that the Imperial Government Affairs Office couldn't handle his issue, requiring him to come to the Imperial Palace in person?

Chu Fan looked at Chu Junyuan who had hurried to the palace and asked, "What is it about Prince Yu that has you rushing to the palace so urgently?"

Chu Junyuan bowed and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, this is about the college's enrollment. I have been carrying out the enrollment work for the National Defense University of Wei in an orderly manner according to Your Majesty's instructions, but now I have encountered a difficult problem. I have also consulted the princes of the Royal Government Affairs Office about this problem, but they are also undecided. Therefore, I have no choice but to ask Your Majesty for your instructions."

After listening to this, Chu Fan also became interested. What kind of difficult problem could make the princes of the Royal Government Affairs Office, who have great power, unable to make a decision?

Chu Fan asked, "What kind of problem is it that makes you all so embarrassed?"