Why were relief granaries important in Tang China?

In Tang China, relief granaries were essential for maintaining the prosperity of the countryside and ensuring the stability of the state. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, these granaries were established to provide adequate reserves against famine, serving as a critical safeguard for the population during times of crisis.12

By holding these grain reserves, the government could effectively mitigate the impact of natural disasters and crop failures. This practice, alongside measures to ensure tax relief for stricken areas, helped stabilize the food supply and contributed to the general prosperity and low prices that characterized Taizong’s reign, often referred to as the "era of good government of Zhenguan".12