"Besides, those people are subjects of the imperial court, subjects of those Vassal Kings' own domains. If they don't even cherish their own people, then it's certainly not our place to do so. We shouldn't meddle in affairs that aren't our responsibility."
Chen Xi pursed her lips. "Mother, I overstepped."
"I don't mean to blame you," Tan You said in a gentle voice. "I know you're filled with compassion, but we can't enter the fray openly. Secretly, however, we can settle the displaced people who have fled here and let them put down roots in Yunzhou State."
"A population has always been exceptionally precious. They can create immeasurable value."
Everyone understood. They all knew that what Tan You needed was a population. If a territory had no people, it was useless no matter how vast it was. Only with a population could a territory develop.
