饥寒交迫 — “Suffering severely from both hunger and cold”

During the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, prolonged warfare led to a prevalence of bandits throughout the land. Once, Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan, questioned a captured bandit, asking, "Why did you resort to thievery?" The bandit replied, "Assailed by hunger and cold, I had no other choice." Li Yuan sighed, saying, "As your ruler, it is my fault for allowing you to be so impoverished." He then released the man.

Later, Emperor Taizong of Tang discussed measures to prevent theft with his ministers. Some suggested implementing severe punishments. Taizong, however, offered a different view: "The reason common people become bandits is due to excessive corvée labor and heavy taxes, coupled with greedy officials who exploit them, making it impossible for them to survive. They lose all sense of shame. We should abandon extravagance, reduce labor duties and taxes, and select honest officials to ensure that the populace has ample food and clothing. If they have enough, they will naturally not turn to robbery. Why would we need harsh penalties?"

After several years of such governance, peace reigned throughout the land. Things dropped on the road were left untouched, city gates were not locked at night, and merchants could sleep safely in the open country. As the poet Du Fu wrote, "No leopards or tigers on Kyushu roads, distant travelers need not consult auspicious days before setting out."