Li Shimin already knew about the disaster victims coming to the capital, and even knew about it half a month in advance.

After all, without the emperor's approval, these disaster victims might not even be able to get through the checkpoints along the way, let alone enter the capital.

However, talking about disaster victims is a long-standing tradition in Guanzhong.

When Guanzhong suffered a disaster, Emperor Wen of Sui led the people of Guanzhong to Luoyang for food.

What they called "seeking food" was actually just begging...

The Guanzhong Plain was prosperous, but this also brought the problem of a large population and limited land, which led to food shortages in years of famine.

In fact, there has long been a shortage of food in Guanzhong.

Let alone years of famine, even in years with favorable weather, food supplies are always scarce.

Therefore, in recent years the imperial court has been trying to relocate the surplus population.

However, the results were minimal, and many people preferred to starve rather than migrate thousands of miles.

Li Shimin released these disaster victims into the capital not only to give them a way to survive, but also to test Li Jue and Li Zhi's performance in managing the disaster victims.

Therefore, Li Shimin arrived outside the city early in the morning, dressed in white dragon robes. His purpose was twofold: first, to check on the situation of the disaster victims, and second, to observe the attitudes of the two counties towards them.

Li Shimin first arrived in Chang'an County, but after waiting all morning, he not only did not see anyone setting up a soup kitchen, but he also heard some people picking and choosing.

"The Yuchi family's textile workshop is hiring!"

"Boys and girls are both welcome, as long as they are young and strong!"

"Thirty coins per person per day, plus two dou of rice!"

"The eldest grandson's workshop is also hiring, paying thirty-five copper coins a day, plus two dou of rice. However, they are only hiring three hundred people..."

To be honest, the conditions offered by the Chang'an County government were quite good, which tempted many people.

However, the fact that it only accepts young and strong individuals has deterred many people.

However, just as they were hesitating, someone shouted.

"Attention everyone! Free porridge is being distributed in Wannian County. Anyone who goes there can get some porridge!"

Upon hearing this, everyone scattered and fled, leaving only the awkward shouts of the constables.

Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this, thinking that Li Jue was probably too young to understand the thoughts of these disaster victims. Relatively speaking, Li Zhi, who was ten years older, would be more prudent in his actions.

"Let's go check out Wannian County!"

"promise!"

Before long, Li Shimin arrived in Wannian County on horseback with his guards.

As soon as he arrived at the outskirts of Wannian County, he saw rows of porridge stalls standing neatly under the city wall.

The yamen runners of Wannian County Government were busy greeting the disaster victims and organizing them to line up in an orderly manner to receive porridge.

Li Shimin walked around the porridge kitchen and found that his son was cooking porridge, which made him even more gratified.

"This Liu Rengui is good; he's a man of action!"

Zhang Anan looked puzzled upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty, it was clearly His Highness the Crown Prince who was doing the work, so why are you praising Liu Rengui?"

Li Shimin sneered upon hearing this.

"Do you think I don't know? Li Zhi was born in the deep palace and raised by women. He doesn't know anything about cooking porridge."

"This must have been taught by Liu Rengui, who made him cook the porridge himself, taking the lead. Firstly, it would show that he loved the people like his own children, and secondly, it would keep an eye on the yamen runners to prevent them from embezzling the grain."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Anan pretended to suddenly understand and said "Oh," then curled his lip in disdain.

He was very disdainful of this kind of disaster relief. After all, eating porridge was just enough to keep you from starving. If you wanted to eat your fill and have dignity, you still had to go to Chang'an County to work.

Moreover, the wages offered by Chang'an County were quite high. With both money and grain provided, it was enough to support a family.

If they still don't comply with these conditions, it can only prove one thing: these disaster victims are not starving enough!

However, he could only mutter these thoughts to himself.

After all, His Majesty clearly preferred Li Zhi's approach and was not very interested in Li Jue's work-for-relief program.

Seeing that the disaster victims had food to eat, Li Shimin returned to the palace with peace of mind. However, not long after arriving at the palace, he said to Zhang Anan...

"Have someone keep an eye on things, and let me know when Chang'an County starts distributing porridge!"

"promise!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Anan hurriedly sent someone to keep an eye on things, but secretly wondered if he should send someone to inform his eldest grandson to set up a few sheds to make it look like a proper setup.

However, he quickly dismissed the idea after it had only crossed his mind twice. Firstly, there was the eldest grandson's temperament; even if he were told, he probably wouldn't do it. Secondly, there was the Emperor. If the Emperor knew about this, he would definitely be dissatisfied with him and might never trust him again.

After giving the instructions, Li Shimin put the matter aside. After all, he had to face the entire Tang Dynasty and had no time to pay attention to such a trivial matter.

However, a few nights later, he suddenly felt a bit cold.

Li Shimin immediately put on his robe and went outside the palace. Looking at the snowflakes falling all around, he felt a sudden pang of sadness for no reason.

"With such a heavy snowfall, I wonder how many of my people will freeze to death..."

Li Shimin arrived at the palace gate, hoping to see if any of the Tang Dynasty officials shared his sentiments. However, to his disappointment, he waited for almost half an hour without seeing a single ghost.

However, just as he was feeling disappointed, he saw a carriage drive past the palace gate.

"Someone, go and find out whose carriage this is!"

"promise!"

Shortly afterward, the guard returned and informed him.

"Your Majesty, this is the carriage of Su Dingfang, the magistrate of Chang'an County!"

"Su Dingfang?"

What is he going to do so late at night?

"Your Majesty, Lord Su said that a heavy snowfall has occurred, and he fears that the disaster victims outside the city will have nowhere to stay. We must quickly organize them to enter the city to take shelter from the snow!"

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