south, Sima Rui, came into contact with Chi Jian, who he appointed Inspector of Yanzhou. Chi Jian remained at Mount Yi, surviving constant attacks from Shi Le and Xu Kan. However, with no aid from the capital as well as an ongoing famine around his domain, his people were beginning to feel overwhelmed. Chi Jian's followers still grew, as many refugees flocked over to him and lived on mice and swallows, but this only meant that more food was needed to keep the refugees fed. In the end, Chi Jian eventually retreated to Hefei with his followers in 322 as Later Zhao forces engulfed the region. Despite his setback, Chi Jian was commended by many for his virtuous character, and was appointed a Master of Writing in the government. Wang Dun's Rebellion By the time Chi Jian moved southwards, Sima Rui (who ascended the throne in 318 as Emperor Yuan of Jin) had just been defeated by his general Wang Dun, who placed Jin under his control. Sima Rui grew ill from this and died the following year, leaving the throne to his son, Emperor Ming of Jin. Emperor Ming wanted someone to challenge Wang Dun within the state, so he made Chi Jian the Inspector of Yanzhou and Chief Controller of north of the Yangzi. However, Wang Dun saw through this and instead petitioned to have Chi Jian made Prefect of the Masters of Writing instead. Later that year, Emperor Ming summoned Chi Jian to the capital. On the way, Chi Jian visited Wang Dun's base, where they discussed the old court in the north. Wang Dun criticized the minister Yue Guang for his lack of talent while praising his counterpart Man Fen (滿奮). Chi Jian defended Yue Guang, saying that he had been a loyal man who tried to protect the Crown Prince Sima Yu while Man Fen betrayed him to Sima Lun. Wang Dun responded to him that Man Fen only did so under pressure, and Chi Jian replied that a real man remains true to himself in both life and death. Wang Dun was offended by this implied insult, and apprehended Chi Jian in his house for some time. He eventually released him to continue his way to Jiankang, despite his advisors' urge to kill him. When Chi Jian reached Jiankang, he began plotting with Emperor Ming against Wang Dun. In 324, Emperor Ming was ready