As long as the imperial family and court officials maintained this control and monopoly, they could allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that all people had access to basic living security and avoided falling into extreme poverty and despair. This seemingly unequal balance was actually the key to the long-term stability of the Wei state.
However, the success of this approach also depends on a wise emperor. Otherwise, the people's suffering may be ignored in order to accumulate wealth. Fortunately, the current emperor is a wise monarch who knows how to balance the interests of the country with the well-being of the people.
After listening carefully to Chu Anping's statement, Fu Youde gained a clear understanding of how the Wei army would manage the newly expanded territory in the future. However, he still had an unanswered question in his mind. So he asked Chu Anping his own question:
"Prince Chu Anping, suppose there are some nobles and powerful people in the new territory who are upright, abide by the law, and show kindness to ordinary people. How should we treat these people?"
After hearing this, Chu Anping replied with a smile: “For such a situation, we can invite them to move to Kaifeng City in the name of His Majesty the Emperor and continue their lives there.
However, if all members of a family are known for being honest, law-abiding, and kind to the people, then they usually don't have much wealth. After all, I have never seen a truly good person who can enjoy both great wealth and prominent status.
Chu Anping continued to explain, "If such people really exist, then we might as well use their reputation to help maintain order in the new territory. After bringing them to Kaifeng City, we can grant them certain official positions so that they can continue to exert their influence in their new positions."
Fu Youde continued to ask, puzzled, "But why are we bringing them to Kaifeng? Shouldn't we let them stay in the new territory and use their influence to consolidate local order and stability?"
Chu Anping patiently explained, "Indeed, a benevolent gentry and powerful person staying in the area can effectively maintain order. But have you considered the enormous influence they may have in the area? If someone sows discord among them, arouses their dissatisfaction or even makes them rebellious, then the stability of the entire new territory may be seriously threatened.
Moving them to Kaifeng City not only allowed them to use their good relations with the local people to appease the people, but also allowed them to be closely monitored under his own eyes, thus weakening their potential threat in the new territory. It also demonstrated the great benevolence of the Emperor of Wei.
At the same time, this can also make the people of the new territory feel proud, because one of them can come to Kaifeng City, where the Emperor of Wei is located, which is an honor in itself."
Only then did Fu Youde come to his senses and understand the depth of His Majesty's scheming, which was beyond the ability of a Minister of Rites like himself to fully understand.
In newly expanded territories, if the highest echelons of the power structure are completely eliminated, then, unless major changes occur, the local population will generally tend to maintain the status quo. Subsequently, through a series of reforms and policies, the people will deeply feel the care and support of the Wei State, and they will gradually adapt to and accept the leadership of the new regime, effectively promoting local harmony and stability.
Fu Youde replied, "I originally thought that Your Majesty and the court truly intended to resolve the situation peacefully and would not take any extreme action. It seems I was overly simplistic. However, for the fundamental interests of Wei and to ensure the stability of the newly expanded territories, some necessary violent measures are unavoidable."
Chu Anping responded with a smile, "It's great that Minister Fu understands this. Personal interests and moral limitations shouldn't stand in the way of national interests. As long as our actions can make Wei stronger and allow the people to enjoy a better life, then any means are acceptable."
Cao Mengde also spoke at this time: "Yes, Minister Fu, don't forget what our current goal is. We want to make Wei the most powerful country on the Shengwu Continent, and even unify the entire Shengwu Continent.
At the same time, we also want to make the people of Wei the happiest people on the Shengwu Continent. To achieve this goal, we must make some trade-offs, sometimes even sacrificing some immediate interests in exchange for long-term development and greater benefits."
Fu Youde also understood what Cao Mengde and Chu Anping meant at this time. He nodded and said, "I understand. I will fully support your majesty's decision and fully cooperate with the work of the Royal Government Affairs Office and the six ministries."
At this time, Mu Yundian also spoke up, "Since Your Majesty has already formulated a comprehensive plan, our military will fully cooperate. I will immediately begin preparations to ensure that our military can deploy its strongest combat capabilities when Your Majesty requires it. We will strengthen training to improve combat capabilities, and we will also closely monitor the surrounding situation to ensure that our operations proceed smoothly."
Cao Mengde nodded in satisfaction. He looked at the six ministers and said, "Very good. Now that everyone understands your majesty's intentions, we will proceed according to your majesty's plan. The six ministries must strengthen cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan. We must ensure that every link is closely connected and that each department can play its maximum role."
The six ministers all nodded in agreement. They knew that this meeting was of great significance. It not only concerned the future development of Wei State, but also directly affected their personal future and destiny.
Chu Anping also spoke at this time: "Since everyone has no objection, let's adjourn the meeting as planned. All ministers need only perform their duties and fulfill their responsibilities, and await the final instructions of His Majesty. We do not need to worry too much because Your Majesty is wise and powerful. As long as we firmly follow His Majesty's steps, we can witness the glory and prosperity of the State of Wei together."
After the crowd dispersed, Chu Anping remained alone in the hall, lost in thought for a long time. He began to wonder if he was truly getting old, if he could no longer keep up with His Majesty's pace. Take the recent education reforms, for example. He hadn't anticipated the enthusiastic response from foreign businessmen after news of the Imperial Academy spread through the newspapers.
Furthermore, His Majesty had instructed the Royal Government Affairs Office to publish in the newspaper the necessary conditions for becoming a citizen of the State of Wei. Chu Anping thought that if these things had not been premeditated by His Majesty, then all this was too coincidental. Chu Anping could not help but sigh that His Majesty's foresight and superb political skills truly made him feel ashamed and deeply admired.
Just as Chu Anping was lost in thought, Chu Fan, who was indulging in the gentle pleasures of the palace, suddenly sneezed several times. He couldn't help but think: Who is this malicious guy who is secretly talking about me and saying bad things about me behind my back?
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