Yan Huan Yu said, "Sister, you’ve got to try this fruit. It’s a special fruit from Da Liang, it’s deliciously sweet and sour, and refreshing for the summer."

Pei Shu’er, obligingly, tasted it.

Yan Huan Yu then handed her a piece of roasted meat, rich with the flavors of Da Liang, perfect for the summer.

Yan Huan Yu smiled and said, "If you like it, I’ll make sure you have it every meal."

"Unlike brother-in-law, who only takes you around for battles all the time. Is that the kind of hardship someone like you, or Yu’er, should endure?"

"Oh sister, you should enjoy all the beauty of this world and stay away from those brutal wars."

Tang Zan’s brows furrowed at these words.

"Yan Huan Yu!"

Yan Huan Yu blinked, looking somewhat innocent.

"Brother-in-law, what’s the matter? Did I say something wrong?"

Pei Shu’er quickly tried to mediate.

"Actually, I can go anywhere, and I even requested to follow him into battle. I can’t help but worry when he’s out there alone."

Upon hearing this, the expression on Yan Huan Yu’s face instantly deflated.

He looked at Pei Shu’er with big, pitiful eyes.

"Sister, it’s great that brother-in-law has someone like you. While I have to stay alone in Da Liang’s Imperial Palace, without anyone to help or accompany me."

Before Pei Shu’er could speak, she saw Tang Zan playing with a wine cup, showing a flash of white teeth.

"If you’re looking for a partner, maybe I can find you a concubine or send a few women over."

"I was wondering what all those sour words were about; turns out you can’t stand the loneliness and have reached the age to marry."

Yan Huan Yu’s face turned alternating shades of green and white at Tang Zan’s remarks, while Pei Shu’er laughed and chimed in.

"Yes, Fengqing, you’re old enough that you should find someone to accompany you."

That one sentence was sharper to his heart than Tang Zan’s words.

Throughout the meal, Pei Shu’er knew not to rush, and so they kept eating until night fell.

Tang Zan fully sensed Yan Huan Yu’s subtle mockery.

Why show off your presence like that in front of him?

Luckily, Pei Shu’er just smiled, even deliberately changed the topic, mostly talking about current issues and coexistence.

But she didn’t say much, just enough.

When the moonlight was bright, Yan Huan Yu spoke for the first time, looking at Tang Zan.

"I have a condition. If you can fulfill it, I will merge my country into Great Tang’s territory."

Tang Zan nodded, "Speak."

"If within three years, you can ensure every person within Great Tang can have enough food and shelter from the elements, I will voluntarily join Great Tang."

Yan Huan Yu’s demand was rather strange.

First of all, what’s happening in Great Tang is a matter of Great Tang, it has no direct connection to whether or not he merges into Great Tang.

Besides, this demand is actually quite difficult, as even the best-run countries couldn’t achieve this.

Not to mention, some even voluntarily join the Beggar Gang.

This is quite a large group, which presents one of the challenges.

Not to mention, Dayan’s territory is vast, with many regions inhabited that are largely unknown.

Tang Zan gave Yan Huan Yu a deep look.

"Alright, you call Pei Shu’er ’sister’, and me ’brother-in-law’, I’ll take this bet with you."

Yan Huan Yu’s face twisted for a moment, then he sighed.

"No matter what, I still remain a Dayan person, and most of my people are Dayan people too. We don’t wish to confront Dayan directly."

"This demand is not simple at all. If it’s not met, you’re also not allowed to attack Da Liang in the future."

Tang Zan nodded, knowing this matters, and he can certainly accomplish this.

Isn’t it just about improving everyone’s living standards?

When truly enacted, both realized how challenging it was.

Even in later generations, achieving an adequate supply of food, clothing, shelter for everyone remains elusive.

The first step is to survey and identify areas that need assistance.

Thus, every locality was investigated, then reports submitted for the Emperor’s attention.

Alongside, several more in-depth reports were secretly handed in.

Local officials knew Great Tang had oversight departments, even oversight departments had oversight departments, so no one dared to play tricks.

The results were consistent.

Then the government redistributed land and provided farmers with seeds.

Those without houses were assisted by the village chief, who organized manpower to build homes.

Those with resources desired houses made of concrete.

Now within Great Tang, there were quite a few skilled artisans, and training was organized periodically.

Those lacking resources built houses from rammed earth, then brushed a layer of plaster on the outer wall, which looked quite nice.

Particularly poor people could apply for government aid, but needed repayment, and their annual tax was 10% heavier than before.

Compared to before, life was undeniably better.

However, if the house built was precisely simple, and families significantly impoverished, the state could provide subsidies adjusted for varying degrees of poverty.

These subsidy funds naturally came from tax revenue.

Thanks to every local official’s efforts, as well as supervisory agencies and the Emperor and Empress’s broad direction, everyone’s lives improved.

On the roads, no one starved or slept exposed to the elements.

Of course, there would be a few slip through the cracks, needing immediate shelter provision.

Now the country flourished, its granaries full.

Local granaries were well-stocked, with practically nowhere lacking reserves.

These governments began releasing grain under supervisory watch.

The result was increased happiness.

No one ever thought they could live like this, free from food and clothing worries, especially those like vagrant beggars.

Before, they either slept in dilapidated temples or on the streets, fine in summer, but unaware they’d freeze to death come winter.

Some in the Beggar Gang had money, with houses forcibly erected.

Then a batch of officials, citing city appearance, organized a cleanup, effectively eliminating rich beggars.

Yet some officials respected the beggar trade, only requiring they appear disheveled but not dirty, harming the environment.

The Beggar Gang partially disbanded over this, positively impacting centralized authority.

Civilians seldom encountered coercive beggars demanding money.

Due to cracking down on Beggar Gang’s illegal activities, trafficked and disabled children reduced, enhancing domestic happiness.