At that moment, Liu Ruyan couldn't help but think of her mother's face and the hardworking people of the Canglan Empire. She recalled the days when she had assisted in handling state affairs during her mother's reign as Empress, and deeply felt the hardships faced by the people.
If Chu Fan can really fulfill his promise, that is, the people in every inch of land occupied in the future can receive the same treatment as the native people of Wei State, then this will undoubtedly be a huge blessing for the vast majority of people in Canglan Empire.
After all, the State of Wei had already begun to widely cultivate high-yield crops such as sweet potatoes and corn, which greatly increased grain production and provided a more adequate source of food for the people. Furthermore, last winter, thanks to coal heating, the living conditions of ordinary people in the State of Wei had been significantly improved, and there were no more deaths from freezing to death due to the severe cold.
If Chu Fan's grand plan could be successfully implemented, the people of Canglan Empire would have the opportunity to enjoy the same warmth and prosperity. This would be an unprecedented social change. By that time, who nominally ruled the Canglan Empire would no longer be so important. The real key was whether the people could live a stable and prosperous life.
Liu Ruyan wasn't just worried about her mother's unwavering commitment to revitalizing the Canglan Empire. She was also concerned about whether her mother would be able to accept the transfer of imperial power if Chu Fan's plan came to fruition. After all, her mother had once been the empress of the Canglan Empire, a true ruler who had sat on the throne. Would she be willing to see the empire she once ruled fall into the hands of others?
Liu Ruyan sighed softly at this moment, her eyes deep and hazy, as if she could see beyond the scenery outside the window. She turned to look at Chu Fan, who was still sleeping, her mind racing. She realized that in order to make her mother accept this reality, perhaps she needed to do something that went against her nature and become a "bad child."
Liu Ruyan sighed again, a hint of helplessness and resignation in her voice: "Perhaps this is our fate. We are destined not to enjoy the glory and honor of being married in a formal ceremony like Chu Fan's other women."
Qiuya smiled and replied softly, "In fact, His Majesty once expressed the desire to give us a formal status, but I refused. When we were in Wei, we were accustomed to being His Majesty's maids, silently serving His Majesty. If we were really married by His Majesty, how would others view His Majesty?"
After all, marrying a group of former palace maids as imperial concubines is unprecedented in the history of Shengwu Continent, and it will inevitably cause criticism from both the court and the people. Furthermore, we all know that true happiness isn't determined by status. In reality, we are the ones who can accompany His Majesty every day, witnessing every change in his mood. This tacit understanding and deep affection far surpasses those illusory honors and statuses."
After hearing Qiuya's words, Liu Ruyan immediately realized that this was just a way for Qiuya to comfort herself. However, she also deeply understood the deeper meaning contained in it.
The imperial concubines that Chu Fan was going to marry were all daughters of families that held important power and abundant resources in the Wei State. Holding a grand wedding for them was actually to further consolidate the ruling foundation of the empire.
At the same time, Liu Ruyan began to carefully analyze in her heart what impact the five women Chu Fan was about to marry would have on Chu Fan, and what differences existed between herself and Mu Xi and others.
Liu Xueyu, the third princess of Shu and a daughter of the Cao family, Wei's most prominent family, held dual significance. A marriage between Chu Fan and Liu Xueyu would not only symbolize the friendly relationship between the two nations, but would also firmly bind the Cao family to Chu Fan's chariot, thereby solidifying Chu Fan's rule over Wei.
Mu Xi, the daughter of Wei's great general, Mu Yunfeng, possessed a powerful family. The Mu family now effectively controlled a significant portion of Wei's military power. Chu Fan's marriage to Mu Xi would undoubtedly further consolidate the Mu family's position within Wei and ensure military morale. It would also guarantee the Mu family's loyalty to Chu Fan, forming an unbreakable alliance.
Changsun Pinqing is the daughter of Changsun Dechong, the former Minister of War and current Minister of Energy of the Wei State. Although Changsun Dechong is currently only a third-rank official, his family's influence in the Wei State cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy, which Changsun Dechong controls, is one of the most important departments in the Wei State, controlling the development and utilization of coal and new energy sources, which is crucial to the country's development.
Tang Ji, the daughter of Tang Hongwen, the Minister of Works of Wei, now controlled the new steelmaking technology. Although Chu Fan had originally brought this technology to the Ministry, people's hearts were difficult to control. Therefore, when Tang Ji became the imperial concubine, Tang Hongwen and the craftsmen in the Ministry of Works would undoubtedly be more loyal to Chu Fan and ensure that the technology would not be leaked.
Wen Xuexuan, the daughter of Imperial Censor Wen Zhengqing, holds a prominent position among Wei's literati. The Censorate, led by Wen Zhengqing, wields immense influence over government oversight and impeachment. The addition of Wen Xuexuan will bolster Chu Fan's support within the civil service, ensuring the smooth implementation of his policies. Furthermore, the Wen family's scholarly background will enhance the imperial court's cultural heritage, further stabilizing Chu Fan's rule.
Furthermore, Chu Fan had previously mentioned that the State of Wei was about to undergo educational reforms. At this time, it was necessary to rely on the Wen family's profound heritage and extensive connections to promote educational reforms, cultivate more talents, and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the State of Wei.
Liu Ruyan pondered what she could bring to Chu Fan. Although she was the princess of the Canglan Empire, she had no real power base in the Wei Kingdom and could not directly support Chu Fan's rule like other women. Perhaps her only attraction to Chu Fan was her beautiful appearance and unique wisdom.
Liu Ruyan thought to herself that this might be why Qiuya and the others didn't need to hold weddings for them. After all, their respective families' influence wasn't in Wei. If they had held lavish weddings like Liu Xueyu and the others, it might have aroused suspicion and dissatisfaction among the Wei court officials, and they would have been seen as competing for favor with Liu Xueyu and the others. This would not only fail to make these families grateful for Chu Fan's favor, but would also likely cause internal conflicts.
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