Once the tensions escalated and the trouble grew, the Imperial Court would step in to soothe matters-for instance, by punishing the soldiers or Han people who caused trouble and offering kind words to comfort the Wuhuan civilians, demonstrating the Imperial Court's stance.
Then came the second strategy: distributing land to these foreign civilians. This was the quickest and best way to win people's hearts.
The third step was to recruit able-bodied young men from these Wuhuan civilians on a large scale, bringing them into their service to make up for the shortage of troops.
Fa Zheng's three strategies were not complicated.
As for the remaining twelve proposals, they offered suggestions on other matters and specific methods of implementation, serving as supplementary recommendations.
In Liu Xie's view, everything else was fine. The problem lay in the second step.
"This Great Han is the realm of us Han people. These Wuhuan civilians are merely outsiders. If I give them land outright, what will the people of Great Han think?"
"I have already treated these Wuhuan civilians generously enough. When it comes to benefits, too much is as bad as too little. People's hearts are difficult to satisfy."
"If I treat them too well, they will want even more."
"If, one day, the Imperial Court does something detrimental to them or something they find unsatisfactory, they will seize upon it to stir up trouble. Do you believe that, Xiaozhi?"
Liu Xie spoke unhurriedly.
Fa Zheng's idea was to win people's hearts by demonstrating Great Han's tolerance and generosity toward foreign peoples, reducing the Wuhuan's hostility toward Great Han and facilitating assimilation.
The strategy was not bad, but it lacked a sufficient understanding of human nature, which was why it contained flaws.
"I..."
Fa Zheng parted his lips slightly, unsure how to respond.
Liu