Calm Arrangements, All Sides in Motion (Part 1)

With authority in hand, it was time to act.

Su Che sat upright at the head of the hall, his gaze sweeping over Wang Jian and Xiong Shou.

Li Yizhen had been squeezed out; now it was their turn to call the shots in Ci Prefecture.

"Chief Clerk Wang, immediately have people set up porridge kitchens outside all four gates and distribute porridge to the refugees. People from every region are fleeing into Ci Prefecture. For every extra bowl of porridge we give out, there will be one fewer desperate soul joining the rebels, preserving a little more vitality for both the court and Ci Prefecture."

Su Che pulled over a chair, sat down, and began issuing orders.

"However, in such haste, the government treasury likely does not have that much grain. And if the rebel army attacks, this grain will be vital military provisions."

"I'll provide the grain."

Su Che looked at Wang Jian. "Just arrange for people to gather firewood and maintain order."

"Magistrate, once war begins, this will be no small sum."

Xiong Shou opened his eyes and looked at Su Che.

"I have my ways."

The Azure Emperor's Treasure Garden was Su Che's greatest source of confidence. With the Azure Emperor's Treasure Garden, there would be enough grain.

"Then that is good."

Xiong Shou nodded and said no more.

"Do not touch the Chief Clerk's private soldiers. They are our capital. Divide the remaining soldiers in the city into three shifts. Starting today, have them take turns manning the walls and readying the defensive equipment."

The old, weak, and crippled remnants left in Ci Prefecture City were utterly useless. Su Che was not counting on them.

He merely wanted to give them something to do. First, it would stabilize public sentiment and make the people feel