My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

Xie Xuan's central command tent.

The atmosphere inside the tent was solemn. Apart from Liu Laozhi, who was away on orders, almost all the core generals of the Northern Army had gathered.

Sun Wuzhong was also seated at the end of the table, his expression less of his usual outward boldness and more of a somber one.

The previous incident involving Xiao Heng's strategy and the subsequent dispute over "Lanling's retreat route" was not investigated further, although Murong De's intelligence was confirmed.

Xie Xuan also publicly praised him for being "daring to fight and good at observation," but the feeling of having his defense temporarily taken over by Zhuge Kan, and the coldness he felt on the day he was suspended from duty to reflect, were enough to make him realize the importance of his actions.

Upon seeing Yin Zhongkan enter the tent, his heart stirred once again.

Yin Zhongkan, without glancing to the side, stepped forward and presented the topmost document in the stack of documents in his hand to Xie Xuan's desk with both hands.

"Commander, an urgent military report has arrived from the East China Sea."

He did not specify who it was, and spoke at a steady pace, as if he were simply presenting an ordinary official document.

Xie Xuanzheng and He Qian were discussing in hushed tones the newly erected trenches in the plains to the east when they heard this and looked up.

He took the letter, saw that it had been opened, glanced at Yin Zhongkan, and then quickly scanned it.

"Reinforcements advancing eastward from Xiangyang?"

When he uttered a few words in surprise in a low voice, he instantly broke the original hushed rhythm inside the tent.

All eyes turned to him.

Zhuge Kan was stroking his short beard, his hand frozen in mid-air. Gao Heng, who was leaning to the side to listen, stopped listening. He Qian also stopped talking and looked at the person in the main seat.

Xie Xuan did not explain immediately, but handed the letter to Zhuge Kan, who was closest to him, indicating that he should read it.

His gaze returned to the map on the table, his eyes unconsciously sweeping across the void between Xiangyang and Pengcheng, as if weighing something.

Zhuge Kan quickly glanced at the document, his face also showing surprise and doubt.

"Reinforcements from Xiangyang? Tens of thousands? This... Peng Chao is currently very arrogant, why is he in such a hurry to come here?"

He handed the letter to Gao Heng, who was standing next to him.

After reading it, Gao Heng frowned deeply.

"If that's the case, the pressure on the Sikou front will increase significantly. Our army is newly reorganized, and our defenses are not yet secure..."

The letter was passed among the generals, whispers rose, and surprise and doubt mingled.

When the letter reached Sun Wuzhong, he took a deep breath and quickly scanned it.

The familiar handwriting was indeed Xiao Heng's!

Upon seeing phrases such as "learned from prisoners," "reinforcements from Xiangyang are coming from the east," "restraining the flanks and rear," and "or temporarily taking refuge at sea," Sun Wuzhong was first startled, and then an indescribable shock and a vague sense of pride surged into his heart.

This kid! Not only did he escape a certain death situation, but he actually managed to establish himself behind enemy lines and even gather intelligence at such a high level!

Whether it's a coincidence or skill, if this news is confirmed again...

Sun Wuzhong felt that his face, as the "recruiter," also shone with glory.

He subconsciously looked up and caught a glimpse of Zhuge Kan across from him, who had withdrawn his gaze and had no expression on his face.

The discomfort of not having his limelight stolen made him unconsciously straighten his chest a little, and the pent-up frustration of the past few days seemed to dissipate considerably.

Yin Zhongkan stood quietly to the side, taking in everyone's reactions, especially Sun Wuzhong's fleeting excitement.

He remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was calculating something else entirely.

The more important Xiao Heng's intelligence was, the more difficult this young man seemed to be to control.

At this moment, Xie Xuan's voice rang out again, silencing the discussions in the tent.

"The veracity of the reinforcements mentioned in the letter still needs to be verified. However, our army must be on guard."

"Now that Murong De and the Imperial Guards have appeared, the vast plains on the eastern front are indeed a welcome sight for the Hu cavalry. Strengthening the defenses on the eastern flank the other day was the right move. If reinforcements from Xiangyang do arrive, Peng Chao will likely use his cavalry as a vanguard, in conjunction with Murong De and his forces, to intensify their infiltration and harassment of our flanks, especially on the east, and may even attempt to outflank us. The defenses here need to be further strengthened."

"General Zhuge, you are most familiar with the current fortifications and troop strength on the eastern front. Do you have anything to add?"

Zhuge Kan stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, however, if the enemy launches repeated attacks with a large force of elite cavalry, our current forces are still insufficient. Could we transfer another battalion of crossbowmen from General He's command to reinforce the strategic pass?"

Upon hearing this, He Qian's usual relaxed expression softened, and he thought for a moment before speaking.

"We can deploy one squad of crossbowmen, but our frontal pressure is also heavy, and the whereabouts of Peng Chao's main force are unclear, so it may be difficult to mobilize a large number of troops."

Xie Xuan pondered, his gaze shifting between the map and the generals, finally settling on Sun Wuzhong.

"Sun Sima".

Sun Wuzhong's spirits lifted, and he stepped forward.

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Your previous reconnaissance of the enemy situation was successful, and you also have a deep understanding of the terrain to the east and the enemy's cavalry tactics."

"Your unit is hereby ordered to relocate to the eastern front to provide support for General Zhuge. At the same time, dispatch a large number of capable scouts to conduct reconnaissance missions far and wide. Not only must you keep an eye on Murong De, but you must also be alert for any new Qin army banners or signs of large-scale troop movements. If any unusual activity is detected, report back immediately!"

"This subordinate obeys!"

Sun Wuzhong responded loudly, his heart burning with excitement.

This not only meant being given a new important task, but also that a crucial link in verifying Xiao Heng's intelligence was handed over to him.

He glanced gratefully at Xie Xuan, but out of the corner of his eye he saw Yin Zhongkan standing with his eyes down, seemingly lost in thought.

Xie Xuan then made several other defensive adjustments, and finally said, "This intelligence comes from a special source, so keep it to yourselves and don't spread it around for now, lest it shake morale. All units must hold their posts and strengthen their vigilance, and scouts and reconnaissance cavalry must be active."

"promise!"

The generals all accepted the order and left.

The curtain fell, and Xie Xuanjing stood before the painting.

His gaze was fixed on the two characters "Sikou" on the map, but his thoughts were churning like a tide.

What will happen if reinforcements actually arrive?

Peng Chao and Ju Nan's current forces have reached a stalemate with our army. If they could gain tens of thousands more fresh troops, even if it was just a bluff, it would be enough to achieve an overwhelming breakthrough in any direction.

At that time, the already weak defense line of Sikou will be completely breached.

Should they hold out to the death? He quickly calculated the camp's food supplies, arrows, troop losses, and the fatigue on the soldiers' faces over the past few days.

Could he withstand the relentless onslaught from an enemy several times his size, regardless of the cost? He had no confidence.

What if we don't defend Sikou?

A thought that he had almost forcibly suppressed before now surfaced with unparalleled clarity.

What if the main Qin army, especially the possible reinforcements, ignores the tough nut of Sikou and instead divides its forces to head south towards the relatively undefended Xuyi? If Xuyi falls, the lower reaches of the Huai River will be wide open, and the Qin army can advance by land and water, directly threatening Guangling and even Jingkou!

What's the point of fighting so hard at Sikou? At that time, the charges against him in the court will probably not just be "ineffective combat", but "allowing the enemy to penetrate deep into enemy territory and ruining the overall situation".

Retreat? Abandon Sikou, withdraw troops to Xuyi or even further south, and rely on better city defenses and possible naval support to resist...

This seems to be a more "safe" path.

My uncle is already under enough pressure in Jiankang; if the army is wiped out here...

"Governor..."

Yin Zhongkan's voice sounded beside him, carrying his usual cautious probing.

"Are you considering a way out?"

Xie Xuan did not respond to his words, but slowly walked back to the main seat, his gaze falling on Yin Zhongkan's face.

This chief secretary, known for his philosophical discussions, was indeed adept at handling documents and coordinating relationships on a daily basis. However, when it came to making real military decisions, his hesitant, conservative, and even somewhat pedantic side was fully exposed.

The recent complaints from generals about logistics and certain obstructive orders are not unfounded.

In contrast, there was the young supervisor Xiao Heng, who was far away in the East China Sea and stirred his emotions with just a letter...

Although he acts unconventionally, disregards rules, and may even harbor selfish motives, his decisiveness in the face of adversity, his keenness in finding a way out of desperate situations, and his initiative in delivering crucial intelligence at this moment are all rare and valuable qualities that Yin Zhongkan lacks.

"Immediately draft a report to the court, and urgently order the garrison commanders of Guangling and Xuyi to be aware that the Qin army may be transferring reinforcements from Xiangyang eastward, intending to intensify their offensive in Huaibei. Our army must be on high alert, especially in the Xuyi direction, where additional troops must be immediately dispatched to reinforce the city's defenses and prepare more defensive equipment. We must not allow any loss!"

"Commander!"

Yin Zhongkan subconsciously took half a step forward, his tone urgent.

"The matter of reinforcements has not yet been verified. To make such a big fuss based solely on Xiao Heng's word might cause unnecessary panic if reported to the court. Mobilizing the garrison troops in Guangling and Xuyi would also disturb the rear... Should we wait for Sun Wuzhong's investigation and report, or verify the information from multiple sources before proceeding...?"

"It will be too late by then!"

"Military intelligence is urgent; it's better to believe it's true than not! If Xuyi suffers a setback because of our hesitation, who will bear the responsibility—you and me, or the people of Jianghuai, His Majesty, and the court?!"

Yin Zhongkan was stunned by this unprecedentedly stern tone. His face paled, his lips moved slightly, and he finally lowered his head.

"Understood, I will draft the document immediately."

"No need!"

Xie Xuan suddenly waved his hand.

"I will write this report myself. Chief Secretary, you may leave now. You will need to take care of the general affairs in the camp."

Yin Zhongkan froze, then suddenly looked up at Xie Xuan.

"Governor..."

Yin Zhongkan wanted to say something more.

Xie Xuan lowered his eyes again, his gaze falling on the blank silk scroll. He no longer looked at him and simply said, "Go."

Two words: calm and undisturbed.

Yin Zhongkan felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer in the chest. He knew that some things had changed from this moment on.

He dared not speak further, bowed deeply, and almost staggered as he left the tent.

That same day, a secret letter, delivered by fast horse, left Sikou and headed for Jiankang.

The letter contained Xie Xuan's concerns about the defense of Huainan and his plan to re-recruit leaders of the refugees along the river.

......