【Source】Fan Chengda (Song Dynasty), poem "Sending Charcoal in Heavy Snow to Jieyin."
【Meaning】"Charcoal": firewood charcoal. Delivering charcoal to someone during a bitterly cold, snowy day to help them keep warm. It is a metaphor for providing material or spiritual assistance to someone in dire need or during a time of crisis.
【Historical Anecdote】
After Emperor Taizong of Song ascended the throne, fully aware of the hardships of founding a dynasty, he lived a very frugal life. He even banned the use of gold and silver as decorations in the imperial palace. He deeply empathized with the people's sufferings and always considered their well-being and the stability of the state.
One winter, the weather was exceptionally cold, with heavy, continuous snowfall like goose feathers. Inside his chamber, Emperor Taizong, wrapped in a fox fur coat, still felt freezing cold, and outside the palace it was bitterly icy. He ordered servants to bring in a brazier for warmth and served himself some warm wine. As he warmed himself by the fire and sipped his wine, he suddenly noticed dry branches from trees in the courtyard being blown down by the harsh wind and scattering on the ground. This sight stirred his heart, and he thought to himself: "In such freezing weather, many people in Bianliang City must be suffering from a lack of firewood and food. How can they possibly survive?"
Immediately, he ordered the city governor (Fu Yin) to come to the palace. He said to the governor: "Now that it's freezing cold, how can the people in the city who lack clothing and food endure this? Take clothes, food, and charcoal, go around the city, and check on those who are struggling to survive the winter. Provide them with immediate relief to ease their urgent suffering."
The governor received the order, led his subordinates, prepared supplies of clothing, food, and charcoal, and distributed sufficient provisions to every household in need. The people who received aid were deeply grateful. Thus, the beautiful story of "sending charcoal in snow" was passed down through history.