The German government's primary focus in recent days has been to support the independence of Finland and Ukraine. According to the plan, both nations would establish their respective kingdoms, with the emperor of the Empire assuming the role of king for both.
"Your Majesty, the Finns and Ukrainians have agreed to have you serve as the king of both nations. However, they have requested that, for the next monarch, a prince from your own offspring may be chosen," Prime Minister Bilow reported.
QinTian shook his head. "It seems they are intent on fully severing ties with the Empire and achieving true independence. This request is to be firmly rejected. Tell them that in the future, the monarch must always be the Emperor of the Empire. The Imperial family will not send a prince specifically to rule over these two nations. Of course, they may refuse, but they should understand the consequences."
QinTian understood that if one of his heirs were to become the king of Finland or Ukraine, over time, a sense of detachment would grow, and these countries might gradually break free from Germany's influence, achieving true independence. In Europe, nations were often embroiled in ceaseless conflict. Yet, their royal families frequently shared blood ties. Despite this, they still fought brutally. To prevent such a situation from arising with Finland and Ukraine, QinTian was resolute in maintaining direct control over their monarchs, ensuring that these countries would remain tethered to the Empire's influence.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand. I will decline the request of the Finns and Ukrainians. I believe they will not dare to oppose this decision," Bilow replied.
QinTian nodded, trusting that Bilow would handle the matter well.
"Although we promised that the two nations could govern their internal affairs, both governments are still in the process of being formed, and much guidance from the Empire is necessary. We shall send a number of officials to assist them. I have one condition: any policies they implement must be beneficial to the common people. Abolish the harsh taxes and improve the people's lives. Through trade with the two nations, we must ensure they feel tangible benefits. Only then will the people of these countries be truly grateful to the Empire, and the Empire will be able to harness the strength of these nations. Perhaps, many years from now, when the people of Finland and Ukraine fully recognize the Empire, they may even choose to join us voluntarily!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will arrange for this to be carried out," Bilow nodded. He understood QinTian's intent: to win the hearts of the people in these two countries. Once their approval was secured, everything else would fall into place.
In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, a small town not far away called Irpin was alive with the celebration of the harvest. Heavy bundles of wheat had been threshed and were now drying in the sun. Once dried, they would be stored in the granaries for the winter.
Every Ukrainian face radiated joy and contentment.
As the primary breadbasket of Russia, Ukraine's grain had always held immense value. Unfortunately, much of the grain that Ukraine produced was sent to Russia, leaving the majority of Ukrainians struggling to feed themselves. During lean seasons, many had to subsist on wild herbs, and countless people perished each year from hunger.
Although Ukrainians were the second largest ethnic group in Russia, they held little status. For years, they had suffered under the oppression and exploitation of the Russian government. Most of the grain they harvested was requisitioned by the Russian state, leaving them with only a small portion to feed themselves.
In an attempt to change their fate, Ukrainians had risen in revolt. However, the brutal Cossack cavalry, wielding sabers, had decimated all those who dared to resist. The surviving Ukrainians had been forced to submit, resigned to the exploitation of their government. The only hope they clung to was that, perhaps, in the afterlife, they might find solace—though no one truly knew if such a place existed. This notion, much like the belief in reincarnation among the Chinese, was simply a tool used by rulers to keep the masses subdued.
Now, however, the lives of the Ukrainians had been transformed beyond recognition. The cruel Russian tax officials had been replaced by Ukrainian ones. The new taxes were significantly lower. Instead of giving up most of their harvest, the new tax policy only required a small portion of their crops. The majority of their grain was theirs to keep, instilling a renewed sense of hope and motivation.
"God bless, the tyrannical Tsar has finally been overthrown. From today onward, the Ukrainians are about to begin a life of happiness!" an elderly man with a gray beard said, smiling broadly as he looked at his wheat drying in the sun.
"Uncle Karsy, what's got you so happy? You're grinning like a Cheshire cat!" a passing middle-aged man asked.
"What could be better than a bountiful harvest? This year, at least we won't go hungry," Old Karsy replied.
"Yes, and the taxes are so much lower this year. Finally, no more searching for wild herbs to eat! I've also heard that soon the Emperor of Germany will become our king. It's been many years since Ukraine has had its own king," the middle-aged man said.
"Whoever becomes the king of Ukraine, as long as they ensure the people don't go hungry, as long as we're fed, I'll support them and honor them!" Old Karsy said.
Indeed, the people had become simple and humble, especially the farmers who worked the land. As long as they had enough to eat, they were content and grateful. No matter who became their king, if they ensured the people were nourished, they would earn the love and respect of the people.
The same scene was unfolding across Ukraine. The long-suffering population, accustomed to being exploited, was deeply satisfied with their current situation. While they were still poor, they now had hope for the future. They believed their lives would improve. In such circumstances, almost no one opposed the idea of the German emperor becoming their king. On the contrary, the people were so appreciative of the better life they were now living that they held the king in Berlin in great affection. If anyone sought to take away their newfound happiness, they would surely resist with their lives.