[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-great-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er":3,"chapter-great-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er-great-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er-chapter-14":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Great Tang: Starting Off by Vindicating Li Er",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2351145,4596,"Chapter 14: Work as Relief, Building Up the Fiefdom","great-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er-chapter-14",14,"\u003Cp>Half an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group had already arrived at Hibiscus Garden, only to find that Su Liang had not yet risen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin walked straight to Su Liang’s bedroom, but did not see Su Liang there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Su Liang was still lying in Zhangsun Yue’s bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They subsequently found Uncle Fu and had him wake Su Liang up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quarter of an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang finished washing up and came to the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Li Shimin, Zhangsun Wuji, Du Ruhui, and Cheng Yaojin were already seated there, he immediately asked, \"What is the situation? You won't even let a person sleep in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ruhui spoke first: \"Imperial Son-in-Law, there is a great drought in the north this year. The commoners have no food to survive the winter. There are already tens of thousands of refugees outside Changancheng, and it is estimated that the number will reach 500,000 in the next half month.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said disdainfully, \"Just this small matter? You came to disturb my sleep for this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Su Liang’s cynical attitude, Li Shimin flew into a rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Su Liang and shouted, \"In your eyes, 500,000 refugees is a small matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said indifferently, \"Yes, it is just a small matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin let out a cold snort and continued, \"I ask you, how much grain do you have?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang chuckled, then said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this? Are you trying to take advantage of your son-in-law?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin gritted his teeth and said, \"I... I will buy it, is that alright!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said without hesitation, \"Not for sale!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin, Zhangsun Wuji, and Du Ruhui all had black lines on their foreheads upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yaojin, however, chuckled and said, \"Imperial Son-in-Law, stop teasing His Majesty. I know you have plenty of grain. Isn't hoarding so much grain meant for selling?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to Li Shimin and said, \"Your Majesty, the Imperial Son-in-Law’s grain is all with me and Old Qin, one million shi each.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang was speechless; this Cheng Yaojin...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin, Zhangsun Wuji, and Du Ruhui were all filled with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin only knew that Su Liang had hoarded grain, but he did not know he had hoarded so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two million shi of grain, with each person eating one jin a day, would be enough for 500,000 refugees to eat for sixteen months...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin realized this as well, and then looked at Su Liang with a gentle tone, \"Does my virtuous son-in-law have another solution?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Your Majesty know to call me virtuous son-in-law now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin said gloomily, \"Stop teasing me. If you have a good solution, just say it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang asked with a smile, \"Shouldn't Your Majesty be more concerned about the embezzlement case regarding the pension funds?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin said, \"I have already sent the Duke of Liang and the Duke of Wei to handle this matter. If necessary, the Duke of Wei can lead troops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang was puzzled: \"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin said disdainfully, \"What, do you think I cannot handle this well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang was speechless: \"I didn't say that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin asked, \"Then what exactly does my virtuous son-in-law mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said helplessly, \"Nothing... I was just woken up by you all early in the morning, and I’m just annoyed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the group could react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang immediately said, \"Alright, let’s talk about business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin asked, \"Can my virtuous son-in-law solve it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which matter is Your Majesty referring to?\" Su Liang asked in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, it is the arrangement of food and housing for the 500,000 refugees,\" Li Shimin confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said firmly, \"I can!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then added, \"Does Your Majesty want me to solve it, or are you seeking my advice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin asked in confusion, \"What is the difference?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said indifferently, \"If you want me to solve it, Your Majesty can go back now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Shimin could speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang continued, \"Those who dare to embezzle now are nothing more than people from the Five Surnames and Seven Clans. Your Majesty should prepare early!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Su Liang finished speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin couldn't help but ask, \"Then what if I seek your advice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not the only one who has grain; the noble families have quite a bit, and the Five Surnames and Seven Clans have even more. Why doesn't Your Majesty go to them?\" Su Liang asked in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then continued, \"Your Majesty doesn't need to buy it; just find a way to make them donate it willingly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin said gloomily, \"This... this... how could the noble families willingly donate their grain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others were also completely baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the group like this, Su Liang immediately said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all think about it slowly, I’m going to have breakfast first. I’ll have someone prepare some for you in a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you still can't think of it by noon, I will tell you then. You can just have lunch here too; I’m not short of a few pairs of chopsticks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang had finished breakfast and came over, only to see that no one had touched the beef and egg drop porridge that had been sent over, and he shook his head helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These are the people who truly care for the commoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly a group of lovely people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang forced everyone to finish their breakfast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went for a stroll himself, and if they still couldn't think of it by noon, he would tell them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no help for it; he had to let them slowly adapt to the way of thinking of modern society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang drank tea alone in the back hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Changle ran to Su Liang’s side and asked him to teach her how to play the handpan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At lunchtime, they still hadn't figured it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang told them helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can erect a merit stele in front of the Vermilion Bird Gate and carve all the donation details on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would also allow the students of the Imperial Academy and the commoners of Changancheng to see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Five Surnames and Seven Clans have always valued their reputation, so they will surely donate in large quantities then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the merit stele is carved, it can be printed into booklets and spread throughout the Great Tang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded, and then they exclaimed that it was a brilliant plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that everyone was too excited, Su Liang immediately said, \"The food problem is solved, but how do you all plan to solve the housing problem?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The imperial court should naturally provide housing to settle the refugees,\" Cheng Yaojin said carelessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang asked in return, \"Early winter is approaching, and the weather is getting colder; what then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhangsun Wuji said, \"The imperial court should provide charcoal for the refugees to keep warm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang shook his head slightly and said, \"If the refugees are not well-fed, they will surely be dissatisfied; if they are well-fed but have nothing to do, what will they think when they see Lord Zhangsun’s family eating fish and meat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin blurted out, \"Although the refugees will be grateful to the imperial court, they will inevitably have complaints in their hearts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ruhui said upon seeing this, \"That is indeed the case. If someone incites them... this year is quite special; there are many family members of fallen soldiers among the refugees...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin immediately looked at Su Liang and asked, \"If my virtuous son-in-law were to handle it, what should be done?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Use labor as relief! You can also recruit refugees as soldiers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang said slowly, \"Using labor as relief can not only help refugees return to their occupations and solve their livelihood problems, but it is also beneficial to the construction of projects such as dams, schools, and city walls.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Recruiting refugees as soldiers can replenish the soldiers who sacrificed in the great war against the Turks, provided that Your Majesty properly handles the pension fund embezzlement case!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Su Liang finish, everyone exclaimed that it was wonderful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ruhui couldn't help but sigh: \"The Imperial Son-in-Law is truly a genius at governing the country!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhangsun Wuji laughed loudly: \"Hahaha... the talent of my virtuous son-in-law is truly peerless in the world!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Shimin had black lines on his forehead and secretly laughed in his heart: Hehe, that is also my son-in-law!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Your Majesty want to handle it yourself, or let your virtuous son-in-law do it?\" Su Liang asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin laughed loudly, then patted Su Liang on the shoulder and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let my virtuous son-in-law do it. I will go raise the money and grain for you; you can arrange the subsequent matters, and I can learn a thing or two.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good!\" Su Liang agreed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then said, \"I will donate 100,000 shi of grain, but I won't donate money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yaojin said, \"I will also donate 100,000 shi, and I will also make the decision for Old Qin to donate 100,000 shi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ruhui scolded Cheng Yaojin, saying, \"The imperial court only needs 700,000 shi of grain; don't you want the noble families to donate money and grain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding Cheng Yaojin, that reckless man, Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji were both covered in black lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang also realized that it seemed to be a bit too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group also determined a more appropriate amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They only left after finishing a sumptuous lunch inside the Hibiscus Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang’s recruitment notices were posted outside the Hibiscus Garden again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that, most of the city gates of Changancheng had them posted as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of the Vermilion Bird Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin had also had a giant stone moved over; one could see that the three large characters \"Merit Monument\" had already been carved on the right side of the boulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below and to the left of the three characters \"Merit Monument\" was a line of small text: \"Detailed list of donations for the great northern drought, ninth month of the ninth year of Wude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A notice was posted to the side, stating that all donation details would be registered in a ledger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deadline is in three days, at which time they will be engraved on the Merit Monument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changancheng, inside the Cui residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clan heads of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans were all gathered here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Li, head of the Qinghe Cui clan; Cui Yuan, head of the Boling Cui clan; Li Chong, head of the Longxi Li clan; Li Ji, head of the Zhaojun Li clan; Lu Ming, head of the Fanyang Lu clan; Zheng Qian of the Xingyang Zheng clan; and Wang Xing, head of the Taiyuan Wang clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Li, who sat in the seat of honor, looked at the group and said, \"Everyone, please discuss how much we should donate to be appropriate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Qian said, \"His Majesty is doing this to build a good reputation for us; in my opinion, the more, the better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Li asked suspiciously, \"Oh? What does Clan Head Zheng mean by that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Qian continued, \"Have you all forgotten how much grain Su Liang bought from our Five Surnames and Seven Clans last month?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chong blurted out, \"A full two million shi!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So even if we don't donate money or grain, the refugees outside Changancheng won't starve to death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ji, who was to the side, also suddenly realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Wang Xing suddenly said, \"His Majesty’s move must have come from Su Liang’s hand. If we still sell grain at high prices as we did in the past, I fear we will invite criticism from the people of the world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is why I said the more, the better. How can we hand over such a reputation that will last for generations to others!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Qian stroked his beard and said happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Yuan looked at Zheng Qian and said, \"Haha, Clan Head Zheng is right; it should indeed be this way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We noble clans should seize such a reputation that will be passed down through the ages,\" Lu Ming also agreed with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this, the group began to discuss one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piece of news shocked Changancheng...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 700,000 shi of grain needed for the 500,000 refugees was completely covered by the Five Surnames and Seven Clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A steady stream of grain was transported to Changancheng from all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, in the Sweet Dew Hall of the Taiji Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin and his trusted ministers were all looking at each other in dismay after learning the news, their faces full of disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wave of strange maneuvers by the Five Surnames and Seven Clans left everyone at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yaojin said, \"Why not go and ask the Imperial Son-in-Law?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone immediately felt that made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group had arrived at the Hibiscus Garden and saw that Su Liang had not yet gotten up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They still had Uncle Fu wake Su Liang up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quarter of an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang finished washing up and came to the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Li Shimin, Zhangsun Wuji, Du Ruhui, and Cheng Yaojin already sitting there; the difference from yesterday was that Wei Zheng was there today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday afternoon, Wei Zheng had learned of Su Liang’s method of \"using work as relief\" from Li Shimin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Su Liang immediately asked, \"Has the grain matter not been resolved?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin laughed loudly, \"That’s not it; it’s that there is too much grain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang couldn't help but ask suspiciously, \"What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhangsun Wuji smiled and said, \"Good son-in-law, the 700,000 shi of grain needed for the 500,000 refugees has been completely covered by the Five Surnames and Seven Clans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Su Liang was stunned for a while and couldn't help but sigh that this wave of operations by the Five Surnames and Seven Clans was truly impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then joked, \"You were all worried and miserable when there was no grain; why are you at a loss now that there is too much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zheng suddenly said, \"Imperial Son-in-Law, I came here this time to hear what high opinions you have regarding the resettlement of refugees.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang laughed and said, \"The old have care, the young have education, the poor have support, and the difficult have help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng was overwhelmed with emotion: \"The Imperial Son-in-Law is benevolent; this old man is ashamed. According to your words, what should be done?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin also looked at Su Liang and said, \"Good son-in-law, if you have any good methods, speak them out quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang then stared at Li Shimin and said, \"Confucius once said: 'People do not only treat their own parents as parents, and do not only treat their own children as children. So that the old have a place to end their days, the able-bodied have employment, the young have growth, and the widowed, orphaned, lonely, and disabled all have support.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We should set up shelters in every prefecture and county to house refugees and beggars, so that the poor have support and the difficult have help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We should set up elderly welfare homes in every prefecture and county, so that the elderly who cannot finish their natural lives all have care.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We should set up children's welfare homes in every prefecture and county, so that homeless children all have education.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After 17 years of war, most of the previous nursing homes and welfare homes have been abandoned; it is time to rebuild them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The era of 'behind vermilion gates, meat and wine go to waste, while on the road lie the frozen dead' can be ended in Your Majesty’s hands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, everyone’s burning gazes were fixed tightly on Su Liang, and they remained silent for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, they began to discuss it within the Hibiscus Garden, and Su Liang also cleared up many questions for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, two uninvited guests arrived: Su Dingfang and Ma Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two had been recruited into office by Li Shimin and had just taken up their posts yesterday; Su Dingfang was appointed General of Loyal Martial Arts, and Ma Zhou was appointed Attendant Gentleman of the Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two had come today to thank Su Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that His Majesty and the various Dukes were also there, they hurriedly performed a salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang immediately interrupted, \"His Majesty has an edict: there is no need for salutes inside the Hibiscus Garden. You two should sit as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Li Shimin also joked, \"Did you two come specifically to thank Su Liang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Dingfang said, \"Reporting to Your Majesty, we two did indeed come to thank the Imperial Son-in-Law; we just happened to meet on the road.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Zhou said, \"Reporting to Your Majesty, I am the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the two had not yet sat down, Li Shimin immediately said, \"Alright, you two hurry and sit down; there is no need for excessive courtesy in this Hibiscus Garden.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two sat down, Su Liang also had tea brought over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Li Shimin looked at Ma Zhou and said, \"The Imperial Son-in-Law says you have the talent of a prime minister; tell me how the refugees should be resettled now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Zhou immediately blurted out, \"Now that the grain problem has been solved, Your Majesty can make use of the refugees.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Li Shimin became interested; it had a hint of \"using work as relief,\" and he signaled for Ma Zhou to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Zhou continued, \"The curved-shaft plow invented by the Imperial Son-in-Law does not require human labor to pull. Your Majesty can have the Ministry of Works build more curved-shaft plows to reclaim wasteland. It is almost early winter now; the reclaimed wasteland can be sown in the coming spring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything else?\" Li Shimin asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Zhou said, \"You can recruit refugees as soldiers; not only can this supplement the ranks, but it can also alleviate the pressure brought by the refugees. A soldier’s salary is enough to maintain the life of a family of five. It’s just that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin frowned and asked, \"It’s just what? Speak freely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Zhou said, \"It’s just that Your Majesty must first handle the pension corruption case well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin said coldly, \"Those worms of the imperial court, I will clean them up myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Li Shimin looked at Ma Zhou, the more he liked him, and he then looked at Su Dingfang and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General Su, tell me when we should attack the Turks, and how we should attack?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Dingfang said, \"We should attack before spring next year. At that time, the grass on the Mobei grasslands will not have grown yet, and the horses will be relatively weak. Now the Eastern Turks have only 200,000 troops left; at that time, sending 60,000 cavalry will be enough. If there is a blizzard in the north this year, the cattle, sheep, and horses will surely freeze or starve to death; we should take the opportunity to head north.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 60,000 cavalry can be divided into three routes, departing from Lingzhou, Shuozhou, and Youzhou respectively. The Shuozhou direction should lead troops to raid Dingxiang, while the Lingzhou and Youzhou directions can form a pincer movement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha... Good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shimin suddenly laughed loudly; the preliminary plan actually coincided with his own, and he truly had the makings of a great general.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then looked at Su Liang and asked, \"What does my good son-in-law think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang slowly spat out one word: \"Good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards, the group continued to discuss the resettlement work for the refugees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later, in the early morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The back hall of the inner courtyard of the Hibiscus Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang had just finished breakfast and was accompanying Changle in practicing musical instruments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Fu came over and said, \"Young Master, the Wang Xuance you were looking for has arrived; he is currently in the main hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang came to the main hall and saw a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth sitting to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang couldn't help but ask suspiciously, \"Are you the Wang Xuance from Luoyang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xuance stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, \"This commoner Wang Xuance pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Chu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough...\" Su Liang hurriedly interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need for formalities; just call me Young Master from now on. What are you skilled in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Su Liang was so approachable, Wang Xuance thought seriously for a moment and then replied, \"I have some literary talent, understand some martial arts, and am skilled in riding and archery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him be so humble, Su Liang thought to himself that this must be the very Wang Xuance who destroyed a kingdom single-handedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then asked, \"Are you willing to follow me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xuance said without hesitation, \"I am willing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time flowed slowly by...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ninth year of Wu De, October.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the south side of Su Liang's Taoyuan Shanzhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people, a city was quietly built, which was truly magnificent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This city was named Taoyuan, twenty li long and twenty li wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city walls had three gates on each side, totaling twelve gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the city, there were thirty-six wards, with the middle four wards being the Taoyuan Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The academy included an Agricultural Academy, an Engineering Academy, a Business Academy, and a Medical Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the east and west of the academy were two wards each; the east side was the East Market, and the west side was the West Market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two wards to the north of the academy were brothels, and the two wards to the south were for city administrative offices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the north and south of the East and West Markets were two wards each, totaling four wards, where four large parks were built.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One ward in the southeast corner of the city was a large medical clinic, one in the northeast corner was a nursing home, one in the southwest corner was a shelter for the displaced, and one in the northwest corner was an orphanage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining four wards in each of the four directions inside the city, totaling sixteen wards, were residential areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each ward could accommodate ten thousand households, with each household averaging two hundred square meters, designed in the style of modern Sihe Academy courtyards with blue bricks, green tiles, and white walls, with some parts reinforced with stone, wood, steel bars, cement, and sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every household in the city was equipped with a heated brick bed, and there were drainage facilities on the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the city, there were seventy-two villages, which were also the locations of Su Liang's workshops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thirty-six wards inside the city were named after the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seventy-two villages outside the city were named after the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two months of construction, all facilities were completed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the seventy-two villages outside the city, one only needed to work for Su Liang for a full year to own their own house, each about one hundred square meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or they could purchase one for only three hundred wen per square meter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The residential areas in the sixteen wards inside the city were all for sale, with different house sizes and different prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheaper ones were priced at one thousand wen per square meter, and the most expensive were ten thousand wen per square meter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smallest Sihe Academy courtyard was one hundred square meters, and the largest was one thousand square meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang also kept ten thousand units for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, with Li Er's permission, a security guard force was established in the city, totaling three thousand six hundred men, all in white clothes and white robes; Su Liang named them the White-Robed Guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three thousand six hundred men were divided into thirty-six teams, each with one hundred men, with one captain and two vice-captains, totaling one hundred and eight generals, all selected from Su Liang's fellow townsmen from Jiangning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only with these people whose backgrounds he knew well could Su Liang feel at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likewise, the thirty-six captains were named after the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits, and the seventy-two vice-captains were named after the Earthly Fiends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White-Robed Guard was not only responsible for security within the city but also for the safety of the workshops in the seventy-two villages outside the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Liang's Taoyuan Shanzhuang was also completed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoyuan Shanzhuang was built against the mountain, covering three hundred mu, with 108 rooms of various sizes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Shanzhuang, many exotic flowers and rare herbs were transplanted, and there were quite a few rare trees as well.\u003C\u002Fp>",4192,"2026-06-21T02:53:01.560Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","a1a5b4dacfec78e1d5fe2129a731a7e3a5aeddc4c83d16f93a0350eee9fb07b0","great-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er-chapter-15","great-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er-chapter-13",63,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgreat-tang-starting-off-by-vindicating-li-er-cover.jpg"]