My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

Tanxian County, East Gate Tower.

As the morning mist dissipated, the dust raised by the departing Xianbei cavalry gradually thinned at the edge of the horizon.

Xiao Heng held onto the battlements and watched as the Xianbei who had besieged the city truly left.

"Young Master Xu has succeeded, Chen Da."

"exist!"

"Send two teams of alert scouts to follow from a distance. If there is any unusual activity, report back immediately."

"promise!"

Chen Da clasped his hands in a fist salute, turned around, and strode down the city wall to make arrangements.

Xiao Heng looked around for a moment, and was about to turn around and return to camp when he caught a glimpse of two people emerging from the reeds by the Shu River.

Almost simultaneously, a soft twang of a bowstring came from his side. Liu Dan's arrow was already nocked, and the arrowhead moved slowly along with the two people who had suddenly appeared on the riverbank.

"Who is under the city?!"

Liu Dan asked in a low voice.

One of them quickly raised his hands, while the other took something out of his pocket and unfolded it.

"By order of Governor Xie! I have come to deliver an urgent document to Commander Xiao! We are one of our own!"

Xiao Heng's pupils contracted.

Xie Xuan's men? They sent him intelligence?

He raised his hand to stop Liu Dan's movements.

"Captain Liu, take your men down to meet them, check carefully, and once you've confirmed everything is correct, bring them to me immediately."

"Yes, sir!"

Xiao Heng didn't linger any longer, turned around and went down the city wall, heading straight back to a residence in the city.

His face remained calm, but his mind was racing.

Xie Xuan sent him an urgent document? Did he want him to withdraw his troops?

Why would we need Xie Xuan to withdraw the troops? A single order from Sun Wuzhong would suffice!

About fifteen minutes later, Liu Dan went in first, followed by two men covered in dust who entered the tent and bowed respectfully.

"Jiang Qianzhi, the scout captain of the Ding-character battalion under Sima Sun Wuzhong!"

Another person behind him also saluted: "Lu Ming, scout from the Dingzi Battalion."

Xiao Heng's gaze swept over the two of them, and they did look somewhat familiar.

He knew that the Dingzi Battalion was a special scout force personally selected by Sun Wuzhong from the army and even specially recruited from among the refugees and poor scholars.

The first requirement is familiarity with the geography and hydrology of the Jianghuai and Jingxiang regions; the second is a basic understanding of writing to be able to read documents and maps; and only then are archery, horsemanship, and stealth skills tested.

Although the number of people is small, they are all capable detectives who can work independently.

"You two need not stand on ceremony."

Xiao Heng raised his hand to support Jiang Qianzhi, his gaze falling on a slender copper tube tightly wrapped in oilcloth that Jiang Qianzhi presented with both hands.

"You must be tired from your journey. Did Governor Xie have any orders to deliver this?"

"Exactly!"

Jiang Qian took two steps forward, carefully placed the copper tube on the table, and then took a step back.

"Commander, Commander Sun specifically instructed us to spare no expense and personally deliver it to you. Avoid any three groups of Qin cavalry encountered along the way. Also…"

He hesitated for a moment, then continued.

"Sun Sima still has a message, instructing me to personally relay it to the supervisor."

Xiao Heng picked up the copper tube, looked it over from left to right, and then opened the cap, taking out a roll of fine silk from inside, saying as he did so.

"speak."

Jiang Qianzhi took a deep breath, lowered his voice, and repeated Sun Wuzhong's instructions word for word.

Sima Yan: The Commander-in-Chief is aware of the situation in Tan County. However, Ye City is in dire straits, the imperial decree is unclear, and reinforcements may not arrive quickly. This silk is a discretionary measure taken by the Commander-in-Chief on an ad hoc basis. I hope the Commander-in-Chief will make good use of it. In addition... there are many informants in Jiangdong. From now on, we must be especially cautious in our actions, as our actions are now justified."

Xiao Heng unfolded the silk, and the first thing that caught his eye was the bright red and clear seal that read "General Jianwu, Supervisor of Military Affairs in Jiangbei".

The text below is Xie Xuan's memorial recommending him as "acting governor of Donghai and commander-in-chief of all military affairs in Donghai," in order to exercise the power of the imperial court.

His eyes quickly scanned the entire text, and combined with the message relayed by Jiang Qianzhi, he understood its deeper meaning.

At this moment, the ancient book in my mind also reacted.

Xiao Heng forced himself not to check, but instead looked at the somewhat unexpected appointment letter in front of him.

Xie Xuan was truly generous, granting him a title and a sense of righteousness, but also completely binding him to Donghai County, placing all the risks and responsibilities entirely on his shoulders from then on.

Xiao Heng slowly rolled up the silk, his face calm and composed, revealing neither joy nor anger.

He looked up at Jiang Qianzhi and Lu Ming.

"Does Commander Sun have any further instructions? Should you two return immediately to report?"

Jiang Qianzhi and Lu Ming exchanged a glance, and Jiang Qianzhi cupped his hands in greeting.

"Reporting to the Supervisor, Commander Sun only ordered the two of us to deliver the document and message, saying... if the Supervisor does not mind, the two of us can temporarily remain under the Supervisor's command and serve, so that we may be of some use in the matter of investigation and communication. Whether or not this is approved is entirely up to the Supervisor."

Xiao Heng's heart stirred. Sun Wuzhong was quite considerate; this was exactly the kind of person they needed right now.

"it is good."

Xiao Heng nodded.

"From this day forward, you two will be temporarily assigned to my personal guard scout team, under your command, Jiang Qianzhi, and will be responsible for enemy reconnaissance and communication. Lu Ming will be your deputy. All necessary food and weapons will be provided, on the same basis as the veteran soldiers."

He stood up, walked to the simple map of the East China Sea region on the side of the tent, and spoke in a steady voice with his back to the two men.

"During your journey, have you noticed any unusual movements by the Qin army? Especially... in the northeast?"

Jiang Qianzhi's spirits lifted, knowing that the test was about to begin. After a moment's thought, he answered clearly.

"According to the supervisor, the Qin cavalry mainly appeared west of Siwu County, and even occasionally north of Sikou."

Xiao Heng was somewhat surprised after hearing this.

"Is there a garrison in Siwu? Who are they?"

"Military Advisor Zhuge!"

These words surprised Xiao Heng. It seemed that his premature release of the news that reinforcements would soon arrive in Pengcheng had thrown Xie Xuan into disarray.

Looking at these two people in front of me, I doubt I'll get any more information from them.

"You two rest for half a day, eat and drink your fill, then ride quickly to Qu County!"

Xiao Heng then explained how to contact Xu Xianzhi and the information that the Xianbei people had already set off.

The two men accepted the order and left. Xiao Heng dismissed his attendants, leaving himself alone in the tent.

The silk scroll bearing Xie Xuan's seal was still warm in his hand. He carefully placed it on the table and looked at it calmly again and again.

But deep down, the feeling that had lingered since his transmigration seemed to have been somewhat suppressed by this scroll.

He was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Eastern Sea Prefecture and to command all military affairs in the Eastern Sea.

Twelve characters, yet they carry immense weight.

This is not just an official position, but also a clear fulcrum.

He closed his eyes, calmed his mind, and his consciousness touched the ancient book that had been dormant for a long time deep in his mind.

The ancient book opened automatically, revealing a layer of bronze inscription-like luster flowing beneath its thick cover.

The pages did not turn abruptly, but unfolded with utmost solemnity, stopping at a brand new page.

On the blank paper, ancient seal characters with strong, elegant strokes flashed one by one, as if an invisible historian was writing truthfully with a pen.

[Chronicle: Receiving Imperial Decree and Command, Standing Firm in the East China Sea]

In the spring of the fourth year of the Taihe era.

Xiao Heng, the governor of Jinbei Prefecture, was trapped in Tan County, with no strong troops inside and no reinforcements from outside.

However, he first detected the enemy's intentions before they arose, warned Pengcheng, encouraged his soldiers to defend the besieged city, dampened the enemy's morale, and then sent a surprise force eastward. He was loyal, diligent, quick-witted, and exceptionally courageous.

At that time, Xie Xuan, the commander of the Northern Army, was in charge of the situation and acted arbitrarily. He submitted a memorial to the emperor requesting that Xiao Heng be appointed as the acting governor of Donghai and the commander-in-chief of all military affairs in Donghai.

With the title and the instrument bestowed, the great cause was thus solidified.

With a small corner of the land, he resisted the tigers and wolves of the north; with humble origins, he shouldered the responsibility of prefect. From then on, wherever his banners pointed, it was no longer the aid of foreign troops, but the responsibility of defending the land.

The importance of a "prefect" lies in ensuring the safety of the people and protecting the territory, in connecting the past and the future, and in establishing order in a chaotic world.

Having obtained this title is like a hidden dragon gaining access to the clouds. Although it has not yet soared to the heavens, it already possesses scales and claws, and its potential is beginning to unfold.

All the contingency plans and risky actions of the past can be attributed to this name, which is both legal and rational, and provides a basis for both advancement and retreat.

This was not a stroke of luck, but an inevitable result of the times, achieved through bloody battles, displaying both wisdom and courage.

However, fortune may bring misfortune; once fame and power are bestowed, there will be many who covet them and heavy accusations.

The East China Sea is barren and dilapidated, coveted by powerful neighbors. It is not a place to rest easy, but rather an anvil for tempering.

The writing paused here for a moment, the ink seeming to deepen, and then a new, more weighty evaluation appeared.

[Achievement Completed: Governance of a Hundred Miles]

[Historical Impact Assessment: You have gained public recognition from the local power structure here; your presence here has become a clear variable in the current historical moment.]

[Nominally controlled and occupied county-level administrative unit: Donghae County]

[Reward: 300 History Points]

[Reward: 1 designated exploration opportunity]

(Tip: You can specify a clear target, person, region, or item for in-depth tracing and information focusing.)

The ancient book's brilliance slowly faded, but the words on that page, recording evaluations and rewards, were deeply imprinted in Xiao Heng's consciousness.

Three hundred points! One designated exploration!

Xiao Heng took a deep breath to suppress the pounding in his heart.

Three hundred historical points are enough to support several important deep simulations.

This was undoubtedly a timely help, greatly enhancing his confidence in dealing with future changes.

The value of designated exploration opportunities is even more immeasurable.

Xiao Heng opened his eyes and looked at the map on the table. His gaze moved from Tan County to Qu County, then to the vast and devastated Donghai Prefecture, and finally landed on the rolled-up silk.

"Now that you've given me this chessboard..."

Xiao Heng muttered to himself.

"Then, it's my job to decide which pieces to place and how to arrange them."