While many ministers were discussing, Cao Mengde, a veteran of three dynasties, signaled for everyone to be quiet. Then he said in a firm and calm tone:
"There's really no need to cause too much controversy or disagreement about this matter. As long as His Majesty has clearly stated that Wei's refined salt can be sold to other countries, then we should comply. We shouldn't have excessive concerns or doubts, but must firmly believe that His Majesty's decision is wise and well-considered."
Cao Mengde's words revealed a respect and trust for His Majesty's decision. He hoped that everyone present would understand and support this decision. After saying this, Cao Mengde solemnly turned to Wen Zhengqing, his eyes filled with seriousness and expectation.
He asked earnestly, "Censor Wen, I have a serious question for you. Has Your Majesty truly stated that we can sell Wei's refined salt to other countries?"
His tone was full of anticipation for Wen Zhengqing's answer. He also hoped to take this opportunity to dispel everyone's doubts and ensure that everyone could unify their thoughts and jointly implement His Majesty's decision.
Wen Zhengqing replied solemnly, "Lord Cao, how could I possibly say anything careless about His Majesty's words? Rest assured, everyone. Your Majesty clearly stated that refined salt can be sold to other countries."
After receiving Wen Zhengqing's affirmative answer, all the officials stopped agonizing over the issue. As they continued to discuss, Wen Zhengqing suddenly seemed to have a thought. He said, "You don't need to ship refined salt to Shu anymore. You'll lose money."
"Why?" Tang Ran, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, could not help but ask. After all, Shu and Wei had the best relationship, and he had the most connections in Shu.
Wen Zhengqing replied, "The Third Princess of Shu has been living in the palace ever since she sent the relief food. She's been involved in all of His Majesty's affairs during this time. She also knows how to make refined salt. Once she returns to Shu, she can make it herself without having to buy it from Wei."
When the ministers here learned that a princess from a foreign country was proficient in the production process of refined salt in her own country, many officials present immediately became serious.
One of the officials could not help but make a suggestion: "Can we consider keeping the three princesses of Shu in Wei for a long time so that we can better master this precious skill?"
As soon as the official finished speaking, many of his colleagues expressed their agreement, and it was obvious that they had similar thoughts in their minds.
However, at this moment, Qin Hui stepped forward and calmly said, "Everyone, please don't let your imagination run wild. Regarding the arrangements for the three princesses of Shu, we must obey His Majesty's orders. Your Majesty's decision is final. Moreover, Shu sent food to Wei during its most critical moment. Are you going to be ungrateful?"
As soon as Qin Hui finished speaking, the officials who were discussing the matter fell silent.
Afterwards, the ministers here no longer worried about this issue and started a heated debate on the distribution of refined salt. After a long discussion, they finally determined the distribution plan for refined salt distribution rights in various cities of Wei State.
Those fourth- and fifth-rank officials who were unable to attend the meeting in person could only obtain corresponding distribution rights from the subordinate towns in the cities they were responsible for.
Through this meeting, the court officials of Wei State became more united because of the huge benefits brought by refined salt, and their loyalty to Chu Fan also increased significantly. However, Chu Fan himself was unaware of all these changes.
This day in the palace marked a major turning point in Chu Fan's life. As night fell, the Third Princess of Shu Kingdom did not return to her own bedroom to rest, but went straight to Chu Fan's room.
Chu Fan looked at Liu Xueyu standing in front of the door with doubt and asked, "Sister Liu, what's the matter with you coming to see me so late?"
Seeing Chu Fan's lack of imperial demeanor, Liu Xueyu felt helpless. Was it really appropriate for an emperor to be so utterly lacking in dignity and address the third princess of a friendly nation as "Sister Liu"?
Yet Liu Xueyu didn't resent such a name. To her, it was true family affection. She was utterly tired of the palace's intrigues and hypocritical socializing.
She took a deep breath to calm herself down, then said to Chu Fan with a smile, "Brother Chu Fan, my father has sent someone to take me back."
Chu Fan sensed a hint of bitterness behind Liu Xueyu's smile. Until tonight, Chu Fan had never heard Liu Xueyu mention returning to Shu.
Meanwhile, Chu Fan herself was deeply scrambling to avoid this truth. It was obvious that as the Third Princess of Shu, Liu Xueyu would eventually return to her homeland. For Liu Xueyu to have remained in Wei for so long, it was easy to imagine how many times she had disobeyed her father's wishes. Yet, Chu Fan couldn't make any promises to Liu Xueyu. After all, Chu Fan's only wish was to complete his mission, return to Blue Star, and live the life of a carefree peasant time traveler.
Chu Fan did not dare to really keep Liu Xueyu. If he had a relationship with Liu Xueyu, it would not only involve the diplomatic issues between Wei and Shu, but also force the system to take Liu Xueyu away when the task was completed, causing her to be separated from her parents in two different worlds.
This is also the reason why Chu Fan, who obviously likes Sese very much, has not had sex with any woman.
Chu Fan said with a hint of bitterness: "I wish you a safe journey."
Liu Xueyu felt a little disappointed when she heard that Chu Fan did not say anything to keep her, but she did not give up her plan.
Liu Xueyu said softly: "My sister is leaving tomorrow. Brother Chu Fan, can you have a drink with her?" Chu Fan nodded in agreement. Faced with such a simple request from Liu Xueyu, he naturally would not refuse.
They walked into Chu Fan's bedroom and sat at a table. Liu Xueyu took out her small wine flask, filled a glass for Chu Fan, and poured herself a glass. She raised her glass and said, "Sister, I toast to Brother Chu Fan."
Chu Fan drank it all in one gulp without a second thought. To him, the alcohol content in this world wasn't high, so even if he drank hundreds of glasses, he wouldn't get drunk.
However, after drinking a glass of wine, Chu Fan became dizzy and soon fell asleep on the table.
The next day, Chu Fan woke up to find himself naked, his bed in disarray, and a streak of red on the sheets. He immediately realized what had happened. When he saw the letter left by Liu Xueyu on the table, he hurriedly picked it up and read it.
Yet, the letter contained only the words "Brother Chu Fan." These simple words evoked a wave of memories of Liu Xueyu's arrival in Wei. These four words were worth more than a thousand words.
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