《明史·志·卷五十一》
百姓有孤老无依的人要供养他们，有孝顺友爱贞烈之人要表彰他们。遇上水旱灾害瘟疫，便奏请皇上怜悯免税赈济。
民鳏寡孤独者养之，孝弟贞烈者表扬之，水旱疾疫灾祲，则请于上蠲振之。
He shall provide for elderly people who have no one to rely on, and praise loyal, amiable and chaste people. When there is a drought, flood, disaster or plague, he shall request the emperor to show mercy and exempt taxes and provide relief.