The issue of refugees in the southern territories of the Great Yan Dynasty had troubled him for far too long.

That area was near the region controlled by the Black Soul Hall, and it was in utter chaos.

Recently, the situation there had worsened, with countless refugees flooding into the southern territories.

The Great Yan Dynasty was still young, with the current Emperor being only the third generation.

Therefore, in order to absorb the surrounding populace and increase the population and strength of the Great Yan, the dynasty had a policy of welcoming anyone willing to come.

They couldn't turn them away just because dealing with the refugee issue was troublesome.

This would not bode well for the reputation of the Great Yan Dynasty in the future, nor would it be beneficial internally.

Moreover, the number of refugees this time was significant, and if they could be accommodated, it would greatly benefit the Great Yan Dynasty.

However, one thing that gave Zhong Yangming a headache was the lack of funds.

To settle so many refugees, a substantial amount of Spirit Stones was needed to purchase food and supplies.

The most pressing issue was directly resolved by the prince before him.

A million Spirit Stones were more than enough to settle these refugees with ease.

Being a chef was nothing in comparison.

If Xiao Tian didn't mind, Zhong Yangming would even call him "father."

"But, my lord, these Spirit Stones..." Zhong Yangming hesitated to take the storage ring on the table, "Are you sure there's no problem?"

He was worried that these Spirit Stones came from the Palace.

If it were investigated, they might not be able to withstand the Emperor's wrath.

"Don't worry, these Spirit Stones were compensation from someone who accidentally offended me," Xiao Tian reassured Zhong Yangming, knowing what he was worried about.

Zhong Yangming was surprised, "Who could have offended you, my lord, to the extent of having to pay such a hefty compensation?"

"Oh, that's all in the past," Xiao Tian waved his hand dismissively and whispered, "Just don't mention that it was from me."

"This is my private stash, and it wouldn't be good if the Emperor found out."

With a serious expression, Xiao Tian handed the storage ring to Zhong Yangming.

Upon hearing the words "private stash," Zhong Yangming showed an expression only men would understand and solemnly accepted the storage ring, "Rest assured, my lord, I will keep this a secret."

"Now I can rest easy," Xiao Tian nodded and sighed, "You have no idea how hard it was to acquire this private stash."

"You can't imagine what those people forced me to do..."

Zhong Yangming gasped, looking at Xiao Tian's handsome face, as if imagining many terrifying scenarios.

After collecting himself, Zhong Yangming patted Xiao Tian on the shoulder, "My lord, I... I thank you on behalf of the future people of the southern territories for your contribution."

"No problem, just make some good dishes in the future," Xiao Tian replied with a relieved smile.

"Of course, definitely!"

The two men exchanged silent smiles.

Meanwhile, Zhong Ling and Liu Yan, who knew the inside story, had extremely peculiar expressions.

They watched Zhong Yangming's moved expression, unsure of how to describe their feelings.

Especially with what the prince had said, if the people from the Bloodcloud Pavilion heard it, they would probably be furious enough to come back to life.

What did he mean by being forced to do something?

Could wiping out the entire Bloodcloud Pavilion be considered coercion?

This novel is available on "pawread dot com".

In a normal situation, who would force someone to annihilate their entire clan?

Moreover, the idea of compensation...

It was utterly absurd, as Xiao Tian had wiped out those assassins and taken it for himself.

Everyone else was dead, so where would the compensation come from?

There were so many points to criticize, but Zhong Ling and Liu Yan couldn't find the words to express them.

"But since we're on the subject, how does Minister Zhong plan to spend my private stash?" Xiao Tian asked after pouring himself a cup of Qingyan Wine and taking a sip.

Zhong Yangming was momentarily stunned, but considering it was Xiao Tian's money, it was only natural for him to want to know the details.

"Naturally, we'll buy food and supplies for disaster relief and fund the construction of temporary shelters to provide them with a place to stay."

"Once they get through this round of farming and have a harvest, they can settle down here."

Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow and shook his head, "That's not going to work. It's too wasteful and could lead to problems."

"What do you mean, my lord?" Zhong Yangming asked, surprised.

"Why not try a work-for-relief approach? Isn't that a better solution?" Xiao Tian asked in confusion.

Zhong Yangming was taken aback, muttering Xiao Tian's words, "Work-for-relief?"

"The refugees in the southern territories lack everything except people, right?" Xiao Tian continued, pointing to the storage ring in Zhong Yangming's hand, "Why not use this money to hire them to work?"

"But... but... how can we hire people for disaster relief?" Zhong Yangming began to speak but was interrupted by Xiao Tian.

"Why not? You spend money to provide them with food and shelter, and then you have a large group of people sitting idle together."

"When they're idle, they start thinking about all sorts of things, and too much thinking leads to trouble."

"Why not use this money to buy food and supplies and use it as wages to hire them to build bridges, repair roads, and reclaim wasteland?"

"This way, not only do the refugees get fed, but they also help build the Great Yan. Why not?"

"Moreover, after working, they'll have expended their excess energy, and they won't have the strength to cause trouble."

"In addition, it's best to disperse these refugees, placing them in various counties, towns, and villages, and separating those from the same hometown to prevent them from gathering and causing trouble."

"By combining this with the work-for-relief approach, they'll integrate into different areas, isn't that better?"

"This way, the money is well spent, solving more problems and accomplishing more. Isn't that good?"

"Think about it, think carefully!" Xiao Tian finished and downed his drink.

Doing a good deed to the end, sending the Buddha to the West.

Xiao Tian thought that by offering this suggestion, he could help Zhong Yangming handle the situation and then focus on cooking for himself.

Zhong Yangming, as if struck by lightning, pondered Xiao Tian's words.

The more he thought about it, the better the idea seemed.

"Brilliant, this strategy is truly..." Zhong Yangming finally slapped his thigh in amazement, looking at Xiao Tian, unable to find the words.

He hadn't expected the prince before him to possess such wisdom.

Not only did he provide the funds, but he also helped devise a plan, making it a one-stop solution.

"My lord, if you ever have a craving, just call on me," Zhong Yangming promised, patting his chest, "I dare say, in the entire Great Yan Dynasty, my culinary skills are second to none."

At this moment, Xiao Tian's face broke into a smile.

He had said so much, waiting for this very sentence, and he raised his glass to Zhong Yangming, "Later, I want a midnight snack!"

"No problem, hahaha!"

The two men exchanged smiles once more.

Meanwhile, Zhong Ling and Liu Yan looked on in shock, unable to take their eyes off Xiao Tian.

It was as if they were meeting him for the first time.