Chapter 678: Li Chengqian: Just Became Regent, and You Bring Me Disaster Reports?

At the same time, after Li Shimin and Chen Yan departed, on the Court, Li Chengqian also began his regency duties.

At this moment, inside the Tai Ji Hall.

The imperial throne at the very center was empty, symbolizing that although Li Shimin was absent, his authority remained.

As the regent Crown Prince, Li Chengqian's seat was placed on the east side of the throne, facing west.

This conforms to the rites in the Book of Rites that the Crown Prince regent sits in the western palace, indicating that although he is acting as a proxy, he remains a subject and does not usurp the proper seat.

Come to think of it, this was not Li Chengqian's first time acting as regent; there had been one previous occasion.

Thus, when Li Chengqian took his seat, he could not help feeling a bit excited, yet he remained composed before the officials, bowing and moving without a single flaw.

"All officials, His Majesty is ill and requires Minister Chen Yan's assistance in treatment; therefore, during this period I, the lone regent, will be assisted by the three chancellors."

"This matter need not be dwelt upon further."

"Until His Majesty returns, all memorials and documents shall be sent to the Eastern Palace, where I will review them."

"All officials understand?"

"We understand," the officials said in unison.

"Very well," Li Chengqian said calmly, "Since that is so, no need for superfluous words. Do any of you have matters to report?"

"Your Highness..."

Soon after, several officials took turns presenting reports; none were major, merely routine trivialities worth mentioning.

Li Chengqian had begun assisting in reviewing memorials long ago, so handling these matters came naturally to him, showing no sign of panic at all.

Compared with previous court sessions, aside from the absence of Li Shimin and Chen Yan, the meeting seemed no different from before.

Later, after Li Chengqian had just resolved an official's matter, Fang Xuanling suddenly stood up: "Your Highness, I have a matter."

"Oh?" Li Chengqian was slightly surprised but did not think further, earnestly asking, "What matter does Minister Fang have?"

Minister Fang, somewhat troubled, said: "Your Highness, this morning a memorial arrived from below reporting that in Shandong and a few other regions a certain degree of drought has occurred, causing some of the grain planted by the peasants to wither due to lack of water."

"The autumn harvest is imminent; the peasants have relied all year on those crops for their livelihood,"

"Now that there is no harvest, the people in the drought‑stricken areas will likely struggle to get through this winter."

"Therefore, I earnestly request that Your Highness make early arrangements."

Li Chengqian couldn't help a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, finally understanding why Minister Fang's tone was somewhat downcast.

On the first day of his regency, such a drought memorial was presented, and it arrived early in the morning, just after Li Shimin had departed.

This was not a good thing for either the Court or for him.

Ma Zhou and other Ministry of Revenue officials immediately straightened their backs, sensing trouble, their eyes becoming alert as they silently began drafting plans.

"The Ministry of Revenue, just routine!"

Li Chengqian sighed inwardly, fully aware that the matter had come to this point and now it was up to him to handle it.

He looked up and asked, "According to Minister Fang's observation, how should this matter be dealt with?"

"Naturally, disaster relief," Minister Fang replied concisely, saying no more.

Li Chengqian instantly grasped his meaning, but instead of speaking, he turned to the others and said, "Relief must indeed be provided."

"But when to relieve, and how to relieve, is the question."

"Do any of you have good strategies for disaster relief?"

Sun Fuja pondered, "According to Minister Fang, the drought in Shandong does not appear especially severe. I believe the Ministry of Revenue should supply relief grain, dispatch it promptly to the arid regions of Shandong, lead the local administration to soothe the people, provide essential survival supplies, and help the peasants get through this hardship."

"Otherwise, if the drought spreads, forcing peasants to become refugees, it would harm the Court and, if anyone starves, could also spark epidemics."

"Therefore, complacency is unacceptable."

Many officials, hearing this, could not help admiring Sun Fuja's proposal.

You see, Sun Fuja's words are very reasonable.

That may not be so.

Because much of what he said is empty talk.

In previous relief efforts, regardless of the disaster's severity, wasn't it always handled this way?

What is the crux of the problem?

The key lies in the Ministry of Revenue providing the funds!

That, damn it, is the real key.

Ma Zhou said calmly, "Your Highness and Lord Sun are correct; since Shandong is experiencing drought, the Court cannot simply stand by."

"The Ministry of Revenue should provide relief grain; that is exactly what is expected."

"However, the Ministry's money and grain are not infinite but limited; relief cannot be haphazard, nor can resources be rushed at the first sign of disaster."

Li Chengqian asked, "Minister Ma, what is your suggestion?"

Ma Zhou stepped forward, bowing, and said, "I advise Your Highness not to rush; first, with utmost speed, ascertain precisely which parts of Shandong are drought‑stricken, the extent of the disaster, and how many households have lost their grain harvest."

"Then, based on the number of affected peasants, decide how much supplies to allocate, and appoint a special commissioner to supervise, preventing embezzlement of relief grain or unqualified locals from claiming it."

These words earned the approval of many officials.

Ma Zhou's suggestion was sound; relief should not be chaotic, nor should haste cause loss of proportion.

They could indeed understand.

The Ministry of Revenue has indeed undertaken many major tasks this year, disbursing a great amount of money and grain.

Court funds and grain must not be wasted; they must be delivered to the truly affected peasants.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, "Minister Ma's words are reasonable; regarding the money and grain needed for relief, the Ministry of Revenue should first mobilize a small portion of resources there to address the immediate emergency, while also investigating the local specifics."

"We will then decide the amount of the second batch of relief funds; what do you think?"

"The Crown Prince is wise!"

The officials again spoke in unison, approving Li Chengqian's approach.

"Very good." A smile appeared on Li Chengqian's face: "Since the procedures needed for disaster relief have already been explained."

"Let's continue discussing the methods of disaster relief."

Methods?

At these words, many officials were puzzled.

How can there still be methods?

Haven't they already all been decided?

Only Fang Xuanling and a few others understood it in their hearts.

Li Chengqian said softly, "In the past, when the court provided disaster relief, it was always unconditional. Although this solved the plight of the afflicted people, in reality it was not a good thing for either the court or the people."

"Once a disaster occurs, why do the people think of fleeing to Chang'an?"

"Because this is the capital of the Tang Dynasty, the political center of the Tang Dynasty, and the seat of the court."

"Therefore, the people have developed the habit of running to Chang'an when disaster strikes; they are well aware that we will not abandon them, nor turn a blind eye to them."

"It seems this has been the case since ancient times; I never thought there was anything wrong with it before."

"After all, we take from the people, so we ought to use it for the people."

At this point, Li Chengqian paused: "Later, Minister Chen told me a term."

"It's called Replace Disaster with Labor!"

"......"