The population of the Jin Dynasty was not large to begin with, especially the number of young able-bodied men, which was even less than that of the Northern Jin Dynasty. Compared with Chongyang Prefecture, it was only about half the population. If it weren't for the difficulty in recruiting soldiers, he would have already conquered Chongyang Prefecture and the Northern Jin Dynasty.
If the population continues to leave now, what will we fight for in the future? We might even have to worry about being attacked ourselves.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger." Yan Bingyan knelt down.
Emperor Xingwen looked at the other officials, who were clearly aware of the situation, and asked with an extremely grim expression, "How long has it been?"
Yan Bingyan replied, "In the past, only a small number of poor and lowly people went to Chongyang Prefecture after hearing that farming was tax-free and that there was no need to serve in the military. There were especially many from the Northern Jin. I heard that there was a town where groups of people went to Chongyang Prefecture."
"..." Emperor Xingwen gradually calmed down again. "What's the reaction from the Northern Jin? What about Chongyang Prefecture?"
"They didn't stop them; in fact, they seemed to encourage the poor people to go to Chongyang Prefecture. The King of Chongyang welcomed all of them."
The court fell silent for a moment.
Emperor Xingwen looked at his civil and military officials and finally uttered two words: "Forbidden at the border!"
People from the Central Jin Dynasty are strictly forbidden from traveling to the Northern Jin Dynasty and Chongyang Prefecture; they are only allowed to remain in the Central Jin Dynasty.
...
After the court session, Emperor Xingwen went to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was having a pleasant conversation with an old Taoist priest.
"Who is this?" Emperor Xingwen looked at the old Taoist priest. His eyes were sharp and his hair and beard were all white. He was old and thin. His Taoist robe was a little faded, but it was very clean and gave people a sense of simplicity.
The Empress Dowager said, "This is the True Man Goufu from Daoti Mountain."
"This humble Taoist greets Your Majesty." Master Goufu bowed to Emperor Xingwen.
Emperor Xingwen nodded, "Please sit down, Master. I wonder what you and the Empress Dowager talked about? I could hear the Empress Dowager's laughter from afar."
The Empress Dowager said, "It's just some Taoist teachings. Your Majesty can also have a chat with the master."
"Oh?" Emperor Xingwen looked at Master Goufu.
The Empress Dowager rose and said to Master Goufu, "I am a little tired, so I will go and rest for a while. Master Goufu, please sit with His Majesty for a while."
"Respectfully seeing off the Empress Dowager."
"Mother, please take care of the Empress's health."
Emperor Xingwen understood the implied meaning from the music and looked at Master Goufu, saying, "Master, you may speak freely without restraint."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Master Goufu bowed to Emperor Xingwen again. "This humble Taoist has a matter I would like to ask Your Majesty for help with."
"Oh?" Emperor Xingwen asked, "What is it?"
“I have a younger brother and two nephews who were killed by the Prince of Chongyang. The hatred of murdering one’s own family is irreconcilable. I swear before my brother’s grave that I will avenge this.”
"The Prince of Chongyang killed your brother?" Emperor Xingwen looked at Master Goufu in surprise. "I wonder what grudge your brother had against the Prince of Chongyang?"
"My younger brother, in order to support his family, would perform rituals in my name to earn a meager living. That day, he went to Gu County to perform a ritual for the young master of the Cao family, only to encounter the Prince of Chongyang, who came to seek revenge on the Cao family. Without distinguishing right from wrong, the Prince of Chongyang brutally murdered my younger brother and nephews! It took me ten years to investigate and uncover the truth. I hope Your Majesty can do justice for me."
Emperor Xingwen looked at Master Goufu and asked, "How can I help you, Master?"
Master Goufu took out a rough porcelain medicine bottle from the sleeve of his Taoist robe; it looked quite inconspicuous.
"What is this?" Emperor Xingwen asked. Although it looked ordinary at first glance, upon closer inspection it was clearly no ordinary object. Just like the person Goufu Zhenren, his appearance might make him seem like an ordinary poor Taoist priest, but his eyes were definitely those of a person who kept his true abilities hidden.
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