Chapter 148: The Son of a Guilty Official

Chang'an was the mansion of Jin Ridi, who had once been a high-ranking court official and had rebelled alongside Sang Hongyang.

You sons of traitorous officials, still occupying this fine mansion—wise ones, hurry up and yield it, don't be an eyesore here!

Sons of traitorous officials, get out of the Jin Manor, get out of Chang'an!

A crowd blocked the gate of the Jin Manor, led by a sharp‑faced man with arms crossed, speaking in a sarcastic tone.

Damn it! My father made a grave mistake; we have done our best to make amends, and even the emperor has pardoned us, so why do these people still refuse to let us go?

Jin Fu, Jin Shang, and Jin Jian—though after their father Jin Ridi's rebellion they were spared punishment thanks to Liu Ju's leniency and retained their offices, life in Chang'an for them was like walking on thin ice.

At court, some officials always greeted them with a cold stare, their words full of contempt and exclusion.

Below the court, they were constantly harassed by various factions.

But because they were sons of traitorous officials and also surrendered barbarians, even if they took their grievances to the authorities, the officials turned a blind eye, and some went so far as to mock and sneer at the three of them.

Jin Fu looked dark‑faced at the noisy crowd outside the manor, about to erupt.

Jin Shang quickly grabbed him, whispering, 'Elder brother, don't act rashly; our situation is difficult—don't stir up trouble.'

Jin Jin hid behind his elder brother, his face full of fear.

After the crowd finished cursing and left, the three entered the manor, the atmosphere so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

Jin Fu slammed his fist on the table and shouted angrily, 'These scoundrels are bullying people too much!'

Jin Shang sighed helplessly and said, 'Elder brother, we bear the name of traitorous officials' sons; since they haven't driven us out of Chang'an City, they will naturally not let up easily.'

Jin Jin said despondently, 'Many people covet the Jin clan's mansion and property; we can't constantly bother the emperor over such trifles—alas, what are we to do?'

'Young master, the court has sent word…'

Just then, a household servant hurried in to report, saying they had heard that Emperor Liu Ju had chosen the site for the secondary capital at Jicheng Yanjing and was now vigorously mobilizing all sides, organizing publicity and construction efforts.

The three heard this and were all startled; then Jin Fu's eyes flashed with a glimmer as he said, 'This might be our opportunity.'

Jin Shang also nodded thoughtfully and said, 'Elder brother is quite right; in Chang'an we are restricted everywhere—better to follow the emperor's plan and go far to the secondary capital Yanjing, where we might be able to start anew.'

Jin Jin also summoned his courage and said, 'I am willing to follow you two elder brothers, wherever we go.'

'This might be the Jin clan's last chance!'

The three exchanged a glance, then discussed it; their minds were made up.

Going to Yanjing, the road ahead is uncertain, but staying in Chang'an is likewise difficult everywhere.

Rather than being sidelined and suppressed here, it is better to rush to Yanjing; on that new land, relying on our own efforts, we can regain respect and wipe away some of the stigma on the Jin clan.

Thinking this over, the three no longer hesitated, began to pack their belongings and sell off family property.

They prepared to embark on the journey to Yanjing, to start again from scratch.

After the three sold off their property, Jin Fu, Jin Shang, and Jin Jin voluntarily presented a memorial to Liu Ju, securing three posts responsible for relieving the populace; they went deep into the cities and villages around Chang'an, spreading the relocation policies to the people.

Jin Fu wholeheartedly wanted to prove himself anew in the construction of Yanjing; to let more people understand Yanjing's potential, he tirelessly traveled back and forth among the villages and towns around Chang'an.

Only by doing this could it be the best choice.

That day, Jin Fu dressed in plain clothes entered a village on the outskirts of Chang'an.

In a farmer's small courtyard, an old man with white hair sat on a stone bench basking in the sun.

Jin Fu wore a full smile, respectfully bowed deeply to the old man, then cautiously sat beside him.

At this moment he had completely lost the arrogance of a former official's son, and gently said, 'Elder, have you heard that the court is going to vigorously build Yanjing?'

The old man yawned, puzzled, and said, 'Where is Yanjing again? I've lived my whole life wandering near the village, never seen the wider world.'

Jin Fu smiled and said, 'Elder, Yanjing lies in a strategic northern location; its position is extremely important. The emperor has already chosen it as the secondary capital—once built, if we hold it, the northern border of our Great Han will be secure, and we need no longer worry about the suffering of barbarian invasions.'

Moreover, once the Grand Canal is completed, Yanjing will become the hub for goods from north and south; then all kinds of rare treasures and abundant products will gather here, and the business opportunities will be limitless.

He spoke while gesturing with his hands, his eyes full of anticipation for Yanjing's future.

The old man frowned, full of doubt, half‑believing and half‑skeptical, asking, 'Is it really that good? That place is so far away; conditions will surely be harsh—how would we live if we went there?'

Jin Fu laughed and patiently explained; his voice, from days of travel, had grown slightly hoarse:

'Elder, the court has already considered everything for everyone. All who respond to the call and go to Yanjing will be given free building materials and craftsmen to help them erect spacious, sturdy houses. It will also allocate large tracts of fertile land according to population size, so everyone can farm with peace of mind. Moreover, for the first five years there will be no tax levy—whatever is earned during that period belongs entirely to them.'

He leaned forward slightly, looked earnestly at the old man, and continued, 'The court will send experienced imperial physicians to Yanjing to set up a medical clinic to treat illnesses and injuries for everyone. It will also specially train local medical apprentices, so seeing a doctor will no longer be difficult.'

'Education will certainly not be neglected; a school will be established in Yanjing, hiring renowned teachers to give lessons so that children can all learn to read and write and have a promising future.'

The old man's eyes grew brighter and brighter; at this time people kept coming to hear Jin Fu explain the relocation policy for Yanjing.

Afterward, Jin Fu rushed nonstop to other places to spread the policy.

At first, the people mostly harbored doubts and held a skeptical attitude.

Yanjing lies in a remote region; in the people's perception it is a bitterly cold, resource‑scarce place, its living conditions utterly unlike the prosperous, bustling Central Plains.

But Jin Fu did not give up; he propagated day after day, letting no opportunity slip by.

Furthermore, as other scholars who, like Jin Fu, hoped for the new policies joined in, ever more people came to understand the new policies and expressed their willingness to relocate.

And as some of the people who had gone ahead to scout Yanjing began to send back news, the situation started to change.

'The land around Yanjing stretches as far as the eye can see, dark and fertile—just scatter some seeds and good crops will grow. Moreover, the court gives each household a large plot of land and provides farming tools and grain. When I went there, I saw artisans already laying the foundations for a medical clinic and a school; it won't be long before they are completed.'

'Is that true or false? Won't they just be coaxing us to go?'

'Why would I deceive you? I also saw someone planning to build a big market; it will surely be lively in the future.'

People kept beginning to discuss the matter of the secondary capital Yanjing, making it a hot topic of conversation in the streets and alleys around Chang'an.

Seeing the people's attitudes gradually shift, Jin Fu's weary face showed a relieved smile.

Some young people were already eager to try, thinking of going to Yanjing to make their mark and start a new business;

Some families, wanting better educational opportunities for their children, also began to pack their bags and prepare to set out on the journey to Yanjing.