Zhuge Guanqi said, "For three cities, two hundred thousand shi of grain will be enough to weather this harsh winter and last until next autumn's harvest. Eastern Liang Commandery has reserves of its own. Although Great Yong has suffered one disaster after another, the towns North of the River have escaped the natural calamities. I believe the lands around Eastern Liang Commandery can expect a rich harvest next year. However much grain you stockpile, eating away at it without replenishment will only empty the mountain, and it will invite far too much needless hatred. Why not shift the pressure onto the Imperial Court, my lord? You would even earn a reputation for loyalty to the sovereign and love for the people."
After hearing Zhuge Guanqi out, Hu Xiaotian felt as though everything had suddenly become clear. Indeed, he should not be so shortsighted, so fixated on the grain stored in the Eastern Luo Granary. No stockpile, however large, could feed and clothe these soldiers and civilians for the rest of their lives. Only continuous production could provide a lasting solution. An ordinary man was innocent, but possessing a jade treasure made him guilty. In his current circumstances, he truly could not afford to make enemies of everyone. If he refused to send grain to the Capital City, the consequences would be unthinkable. A man without foresight was bound to face trouble close at hand. Zhuge Guanqi truly took a far-reaching view of things.
Hu Xiaotian said, "Then I'll follow your advice, Brother Guanqi. I'll provide three hundred thousand shi of grain to support His Majesty." At this point, another matter occurred to him. The neighboring cities had previously approached him to borrow grain. Since he had agreed to give some to His Majesty, should he not lend them a little