After Chu Fan answered the question from the Minister of Revenue Qian Dai, the Minister of Rites Fu Youde asked with a hint of worry:
"Your Majesty, I have observed that the customs and cultural traditions of the Xiongnu and Gan people differ significantly from those of the Wei State. Given this, how can we ensure their smooth assimilation into the culture of the Wei State?"
After all, these cultural differences cannot be easily changed overnight. I worry that achieving such integration will be quite difficult. Furthermore, the people of the Xiongnu and Gan states possess their own unique cultures and beliefs, which are deeply rooted in their hearts.
Then, Your Majesty, have you considered whether it is necessary to take some extreme measures, such as burning their books, or severely punishing those people who are stubborn and unwilling to accept our Wei culture, or even burying them alive, in order to force them to accept our culture?"
Chu Fan spoke slowly, a tone of doubt and dissatisfaction in his voice: "You mentioned burning books and harming the people. Are you implying that I am a cruel monarch? Since I ascended the throne, have I ever done such things? I consider myself a kind person. How could I commit such a heinous atrocity?"
Upon hearing this, Minister of Rites Fu Youde knelt on the ground in a state of panic, and eagerly explained, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I have no intention of slandering you. I am simply stating a fact. If we don't take extreme measures to resolve cultural differences, we will never be able to change those deeply rooted ideas."
After all, these cultural heritages have been passed down for hundreds or even thousands of years. How could their minds be easily changed simply because a ruler changed? "
Chu Fan smiled faintly and gestured for Fu Youde to stand up. His tone revealed a hint of tolerance: "Don't be so alarmed. I haven't had much direct contact with your Ministry of Rites. How could you think I'm a tyrant who readily resorts to killing to solve problems? Please stand up and sit down and talk slowly. I actually have a solution in mind for the problem you raised."
Fu Youde obeyed the order and stood up. After sitting down, he said respectfully, "I am here to listen attentively and look forward to your wise advice."
Chu Fan spoke solemnly, "Now, you must listen carefully to what I am about to explain, and you must follow these instructions in the future. However, these matters must not be discussed publicly, as the strategies contained therein are too direct and radical, and may cause unnecessary panic and misunderstanding. We must adopt a subtle approach, gradually allowing the people of the newly opened territories to accept our Wei culture and values."
Seeing Chu Fan being so serious, Chu Anping and the ministers of the six ministries straightened their postures and listened attentively to every word Chu Fan said.
Chu Fan continued, "First, we must never do things like burning books and burying Confucian scholars alive. These actions are signs of tyranny. If we do so, it will only arouse their rebellious sentiments and make them think that we want to rule them and deprive them of their cultural roots.
On the contrary, we should vigorously develop their cultural beliefs, and when we first begin to rule them, we should show them respect and tolerance, and even refrain from interfering in any of their cultural activities."
"Your Majesty, aren't the methods you mentioned the conventional strategies adopted in governing a country?" Minister of Rites Fu Youde asked His Majesty his question with a confused look on his face.
Chu Fan smiled slightly after hearing this and replied, "When I answered Qian Aiqing just now, the core of the governance plan I proposed was to ensure that everyone is treated equally. However, if they continue to retain their traditional cultural beliefs, then they are likely to maintain the existing social structure and way of thinking.
However, a better life was just around the corner. If no changes were made, the people in the newly developed territories would not be able to enjoy the benefits brought by Wei's advanced culture and laws. This would cause resentment among the people who had been oppressed for a long time.
Once the people become dissatisfied, they will seek change. At the appropriate time, we can guide them in the direction we desire, allowing them to overthrow their traditional social structure and gradually accept the advanced system of our Wei State.
In this process, we must skillfully integrate Wei's culture and laws into their daily lives, allowing it to evolve naturally rather than be imposed by external forces. In this way, we can avoid conflict and gradually achieve national unity and cultural integration.
Chu Fan continued to explain, "If the traditional cultures of the Xiongnu and Gan states are truly suitable for governance and promoting social development, then we naturally don't need to change them. However, if there are flaws in their traditional cultures, then we can secretly send personnel to seize these flaws and fiercely criticize them, guiding the people to think spontaneously, allowing them to abandon these traditional customs and gradually accept more advanced and reasonable cultural concepts."
"According to the intelligence we obtained from the captives, the traditional cultures of the Xiongnu and the Qian Kingdom do have many problems, such as rigid social classes and unequal distribution of power. These problems are the root cause of the people's suffering. When the Wei Kingdom provides equal opportunities and a fair legal system to its people, they will begin to rebel against past injustices and gradually accept new cultural concepts in pursuit of a better life."
At this time, Chu Anping said in a very respectful tone: "Your Majesty, may I ask you a question?"
Chu Fan was somewhat surprised to hear Chu Anping's words, as he hadn't expected Chu Anping to interrupt him at this moment. Chu Fan smiled slightly and said, "Of course, Sixth Master, feel free to ask any questions you have. However, I'd like you to wait a moment. After all, we've been talking for such a long time. I'll have the maid bring in some tea and cakes. I didn't expect our conversation today to last this long."
Chu Fan turned around and said to Qiuya who was standing beside him, "Qiuya, go outside and ask the palace maids to prepare some fine tea and exquisite cakes, and have them bring them over quickly."
After receiving Chu Fan's order, Qiu Ya immediately came to the door of the imperial study and conveyed Chu Fan's instructions to the palace maids outside the door.
Chu Fan continued, "Think about what I just said. In fact, most of the time, the needs of the people are very simple. As long as they have enough food, clothing, and hope to survive, they will be satisfied. What they long for is a just society and an opportunity to change their fate through their own efforts."
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