But ideals were plump, while reality was painfully lean.
Yan An never expected the greatest resistance he faced to come not from Zheng Qiao, but from the court officials around him, who threw up obstacle after obstacle.
Their excuses were even more laughable—
"Only those who have rendered service deserve rewards!"
They also argued that the people had neglected their farming, grown lazy and lax, and caused the harvest to plummet, leaving them unable to pay enough land tax. If they had no food to last the winter now, it was their own fault. In fact, if their conduct were properly scrutinized, they had not rendered an inch of service and were guilty besides! The Sovereign had graciously chosen not to punish them, and now Yan An wanted to hand out winter rations to these lazy good-for-nothings? What would the hardworking people who provided for themselves think?
"If good deeds go unrewarded, no one will be encouraged to do good; if misdeeds go unpunished, no one will fear doing evil!" After hearing Yan An's proposal, one court official stepped forward. He cautiously glanced at Zheng Qiao out of the corner of his eye. Seeing that Zheng Qiao was not displeased, he continued, full of righteous conviction, "Those lazy, lowly commoners have rendered no service and committed offenses. If you do this, you'll only encourage their wicked ways! Come next spring, even the hardworking people will neglect their farming!"
He paused. "That will bring endless trouble!"
Yan An was so furious his face nearly turned livid.
How could anyone come out with such twisted logic?
How was it any different from asking, "Why don't they eat meat porridge?"
If they were hungry, they should just go farm?
If the people had no grain, that meant they had neglected their fields?
Why