My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

Xiao Heng waited for a moment in front of the study before being allowed to enter.

The study was simply furnished, with only books covering the walls, a desk and a zither, and the air was filled with the smell of charcoal and ink.

Xie An had removed his outer robe, leaving only a plain dark-colored robe, and was sitting behind the table, slowly stirring the charcoal brazier with fire tongs.

Seeing Xiao Heng enter, he raised his eyes and smiled slightly, pointing to the prayer mat opposite him.

"Sit down. It's a cold winter's day; have a cup of hot tea."

There were no formalities or pleasantries; it was as if I were receiving a nephew or niece who often came to visit.

The servant quietly served tea and then left, leaving only the two of them in the room. The occasional crackling of the charcoal fire made the surroundings even quieter.

Xie An's gaze fell on Xiao Heng's face, gentle yet unfathomable.

"Today at the banquet, I noticed you were quiet and reserved, quite different from your impassioned manner in the Court of Justice a few months ago. Have these casual conversations had any effect?"

Xiao Heng held the cup with both hands, not answering immediately, but instead activating the deep simulation. He knew his own limitations; this kind of old fox loved to set traps.

[Start Deep Simulation]

[Core Assessment Dialogue Core Directive: Cultivate the image of a "loyal and pure military general" to avoid suspicion of ambition]

[Historical Points Invested: 2573]

【...】

Finally, after spending 120 points, I chose the safest option.

"General Zhang is very knowledgeable, and I have benefited greatly from his teachings. I now know that the scenery of Jiankang is not just about the Qinhuai River and the gatherings of gentry, nor is it merely about poetry and wine gatherings. I also know that in order to live a proper life in the court and in the countryside, one's words and actions must be in accordance with the established principles, so as not to fail to live up to Lord Xie's intention to protect me."

Xie An nodded slightly and took a sip of tea.

"The key lies in the heart, not in outward appearances. You are a wise man, and you should know that I invited you here today not to critique your scholarship. Although the case of the Court of Justice has been closed, the eyes of the court and the public have not yet closed. What are your thoughts for the future? Please speak frankly."

Xiao Heng put down his teacup, not daring to delay, and continued the simulation.

They only stopped after consuming 366 points and finding a solution that satisfied Xiao Heng.

[Mentioning Zu Ti, focusing on the Northern Expedition, and admitting to being dull-witted and unfamiliar with factional struggles—these were effective gestures, and Xie An remained calm and even appreciative.]

He looked up, his gaze frank and carrying the straightforwardness characteristic of a military general.

"Replying to Lord Xie, I, Heng, come from humble origins. Fortunately, I was recruited by the Northern Army, which allowed me to achieve some small merit. My lifelong admiration is for General Zu Ti's ambition to strike the oar midstream. The barbarian cavalry trampled the Central Plains, and the people of the North wept blood, looking southward. This is why warriors are always ready to fight! As for the intricacies of the court and the interests of different factions, these are beyond my understanding, and I do not wish to get involved. I only seek a place where I can serve as the vanguard for the Northern Expedition and recover our lost lands. That would be enough for me."

Xie An reacted strongly. He remained silent for a moment before looking at him and speaking slowly.

"Zu Shizhi (Zu Ti) was indeed loyal and brave, but his cause was not completed, and he died with regrets. Do you know why?"

Xiao Heng looked slightly excited. The problem was simple, but he quickly restrained himself and still conducted the simulation. Fortunately, it didn't take much to do.

"Though times are unfavorable and the court is hindering him, his ambition shines as brightly as the sun and moon! I dare not compare myself to the sages of the past, but only wish to emulate his will and not follow the path of Wang Dun and Huan Wen. If I succeed, I will return the credit to the court; if I die, I will have no shame before my comrades in the Northern Army."

A faint hint of approval finally flashed in Xie An's eyes, and his tone softened further.

"It's good that you have this intention. In that case, there are a few places where you can share the burden of the court."

Xiao Heng was somewhat surprised that Xie An was being so direct this time, implying that he was to be sent out to guard the area. However, he soon realized from hearing a few place names that they were all traps.

"Firstly, Xunyang in Jiangzhou, pacifies the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and also serves as a strategic point for Jingzhou and Yangzhou; secondly, Huaiyin, an important town, directly faces Qingzhou and Xuzhou, and can be considered a strategic flank for the northern region; thirdly, Shouchun (Shouxian) in Yuzhou, a key town in western Huaihe River region, is a crucial transportation hub!"

He paused slightly, his gaze seemingly unintentionally sweeping over Xiao Heng.

"Fourth and fifth, Xiangyang and Pengcheng are both in the hands of the pseudo-Qin. If you are interested, you can also take them, but the risks are extremely high, and the imperial court cannot provide direct support."

He had to choose one of the five, but none of them met his expectations, especially Shouchun! If he were to garrison there, he would probably be wiped out by the Qin army before the Battle of Fei River even began.

The simulation started again, this time consuming even more points. In fact, Xiao Heng already had the answer in his mind; he just wanted to see if it was the same as in the simulation. This position choice might affect his future independent development, so he dared not be careless.

After spending 650 points, Xiao Heng got a win-win answer: Xiangyang.

Xie An said this place was extremely risky and difficult to support, but choosing it was tantamount to voluntarily jumping into the most dangerous game, and it also meant declaring to Xie An the magnitude of his ambitions.

However, the simulator provides a reasonable explanation: this location can simultaneously contain both the northern enemy and the Huan clan.

Xiao Heng took a deep breath, his eyes filled with fighting spirit as he looked at Xie An, his tone firm.

"Lord Xie, Heng wishes to be selected in Xiangyang."

The air in the study seemed to freeze for a moment.

Xie An raised an eyebrow and leaned forward slightly.

"Oh? Xiangyang is now the capital of Liangzhou under the puppet Qin dynasty, heavily fortified with troops and deep moats. Moreover, it is isolated north of the Han River. Even if it were captured, it would be difficult to hold for long. Why abandon the safer Shouchun and choose this perilous and dangerous place?"

Xiao Heng's heart pounded like a drum. In fact, what he had been eyeing in the courtyard for the past few months was Hanzhong. After the Battle of Feishui, the north was in chaos, and this was the only opportunity. Xiangyang was in a good location.

"It is precisely because of its perilous nature that it is so important to fight for it! Xiangyang controls the middle reaches of the Han River, connecting Wan and Luo in the north and shielding the Yangtze and Han Rivers in the south. If we can capture Xiangyang, the southward advance of the pseudo-Qin army will be hampered! This is the first reason."

He paused, noticing Xie An listening intently, and continued, taking the reasoning a step further.

"Secondly, the Huan family of Jingzhou is stationed upstream, fiercely resisting the Qin army, and the court relies heavily on them. However, if Xiangyang were in our hands, it could form a coordinated force with Jingzhou, jointly securing the Yangtze River defense line, and could also... could alleviate some of the worries of Duke Huan regarding the north. Although I am unworthy, I am willing to serve as the vanguard for the court. Even if I am shattered to pieces, I can still restrain the enemy's forces and support the main army!"

In fact, the simulator was intended to restrain Huan Chong, but Xiao Heng didn't say it directly because he didn't believe Xie An couldn't see it.

Xie An remained silent for a long time, and finally got up and began to pace back and forth.

"Such far-sighted strategies cannot be achieved solely through strength and courage. Is this something that Genji has often discussed with you?"

Xiao Heng immediately showed a hint of panic at being "seen through" and lowered his head.

"I dare not conceal this from Lord Xie. General Zhang did indeed analyze the situation of the world that day, and spoke of the key points of the situation. I am dull-witted and only know a little about the Jianghuai region. As for the overall situation in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, I have only learned from the general's guidance that the importance of Xiangyang lies not only in resisting Qin, but also in... consolidating the foundation."

Xie An fell silent again, returned to his desk, and after a long while, a satisfied smile slowly appeared on his face. Though faint, it was like the moon breaking through the clouds, giving Xiao Heng a sense of confidence.

"Xuanzhi has indeed put his heart into it. It is even more commendable that you can listen and be influenced by it."

He did not offer any affirmative or negative evaluation of Xiao Heng's choice, but simply picked up his now slightly cool teacup again.

"I am aware of this matter. On this festive day, there is no need to dwell on it. Go back and rest well; the court will handle the matter impartially."

This is how it ends. There are no promises, no deadlines, only the statement that it will be decided by public opinion.

Xiao Heng stood up and bowed deeply.

"Yes. Heng takes his leave. Thank you for your care."

He left the study and gently closed the door.

The corridor was silent, with only the echo of his own footsteps.

Choosing Xiangyang was a risky move, but it was also the key to whether Xiao Heng could become the one in control of the game.