My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

After Jiang Qianzhi took his seat, Lu Da was about to ask a question.

Jiang Qianzhi spoke first.

"I am a squad leader under Commander Sun of the Northern Army, currently under the command of Lord Xiao. I have also heard about Chief Lu's matter!"

He flexed his stiff wrists, his gaze sweeping over Lu Da, who looked anxious.

It then swept past the guards inside the house and the blind man, before finally landing back on Lu Da's face.

Lu Da instantly understood!

"Get out! Stand guard outside the door. No one is allowed to approach without my permission!"

After hearing this, the guards left the cabin, while the blind man remained standing there.

Seeing that Wang Laoliu didn't move, Lu Da glared at him, slammed his right hand heavily on the scabbard beside him, and cursed.

"Wang Laoliu, are you out of your mind? Since you've taken my food, you have to follow my rules! Get out!"

Seeing Lu Da's stern expression, Wang Laoliu still obeyed and left, closing the door behind him, but the unease in his heart grew stronger.

He was originally one of Zhou Laosi's men. After Zhou Laosi mysteriously disappeared in the city that night, he led dozens of his confidants to join the more powerful Lu Da in order to survive.

Now, Lu Da is clearly determined to pledge allegiance to the newly emerged Prefect Xiao.

These people are different from Lu Da. In the past, relying on the Wang family's support, they often caused trouble for the salt farmers in the city.

Even if he's temporarily tolerated by going to the military camp, what about later? Military law? He's used to being free; can he handle that kind of discipline?

A chill ran up from the soles of his feet. If Lu Da wanted to clear his name, these evil deeds would likely be the first to be used as a sacrificial offering or to distance himself from the situation!

Thinking of this, his one eye twitched slightly, and he quickly disappeared in front of the wooden house.

Inside the wooden house, Jiang Qianzhi, acting as a scout, keenly sensed that the person was suspicious.

But it must be quite remarkable that Lu Da can gather hundreds of people.

Before he came, he heard that this man dared to rob even the northern barbarians and had escaped from the Qin army several times, which reminded him of some of the old captains in the army.

He thought he was safe now, but he figured he wouldn't be able to escape. After thinking for a while, he finally spoke.

"Chief Lu, the Prefect does indeed cherish talent and recruit capable people. At the gates of Tan County, you expressed your willingness to serve under his command, and the Prefect remembered that. However, later..."

Lu Da's face turned red and then pale, and he quickly said...

"My lord, please understand! Those men were blinded by hunger, and seeing that scoundrel Zhou Laosi strike first, they couldn't control themselves... It was absolutely not my intention! I am utterly loyal to Lord Xiao!"

He patted his chest, his tone urgent.

But her eyes involuntarily glanced at Jiang Qianzhi's expression. Seeing that he remained calm, she felt even more uncertain and continued to complain.

To put it bluntly, Mouyuan was just a guard dog kept by the Wang family.

Lu Da bluntly exposed his shortcomings, his tone carrying a deliberately exaggerated bitterness and helplessness.

"Ever since that Zhou Laosi arrived, life has been tough for Chen Jiao and me. That guy is full of tricks and has an education; we've been ostracized and don't even have a place to stay!"

"That old bastard Chen Jiao knows how to run a business, and he even has a small island. I'm in a tough spot. My brothers need to eat, to survive... We have nothing but the handles of our knives. Last time I met the Prefect, I genuinely wanted to pledge my allegiance, to earn a better reputation, and to wash away this traitorous name! But then the Xianbei dogs came..."

After listening to him finish speaking, Jiang Qianzhi understood the general idea, but he could only believe half of what he said.

"Lu Tou, the Prefect will be arriving with his troops soon. I might be able to put in a good word for him, but..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Da thought there was hope, rubbed his hands together, leaned closer, and lowered his voice.

"I truly wish to serve Lord Xiao! Lord Xiao has just assumed the post of Prefect and is stationed in Donghai. He is in dire need of capable men. Though I am not talented, I have three hundred or so brothers under my command, all seasoned veterans who dare to fight and know the terrain well. I know a little about the mountains and rivers of Donghai Prefecture, the powerful local strongholds, and even the sporadic movements of the Xianbei dogs and Qin army to the north! If I could be accepted into Lord Xiao's army, I would certainly discipline my men, strictly obey orders, and never again engage in plunder. I only ask for… only ask for a legitimate title, a way to survive, and for my brothers to have hope for the future, so they won't die as bandits!"

His words revealed his true intentions.

Jiang Qianzhi understood the importance of Lu Da's power, but the key question for Lord Xiao was whether he could control it and whether it was reliable.

"I will inform Lord Lu of Chief Lu's sincerity."

Jiang Qianzhi softened his tone somewhat, but still maintained his reserve.

"When the Prefect governs the army, he prioritizes discipline and clear rewards and punishments. Past events may be dealt with leniently and not investigated, but once you join the army, you must abide by military law. If you violate it, military law will not be lenient."

"Understood! Understood!"

Lu Da nodded repeatedly.

"If I can be accepted by the Prefect, my life belongs to him, and my brothers will certainly abide by military law!"

Jiang Qianzhi nodded, knowing that Lu Da would not let him leave easily.

"There is something urgent right now!"

The spirit of Lu Da was lifted.

"I was ordered to deliver military intelligence, but I have now become separated from my comrades. They are carrying important items and have headed south into the mountains. Since Chief Lu is familiar with this area, could he possibly find a way to secretly escort them?"

"Captain Jiang is at ease! I'll send out my most resourceful brothers right away!"

"it is good."

Jiang Qianzhi nodded.

"Since the Prefect has not yet arrived, all matters here are being handled by Young Master Xu. If Chief Lu trusts him, I, Jiang, can lead the way!"

"..."

Xiaozhu Island.

The news Jiang Qianzhi brought back put Xu Xianzhi in a difficult position.

"Lu Da... the promise made in Tancheng still rings in my ears, yet you can take advantage of the chaos to plunder in the blink of an eye."

Han Yong leaned against the stone couch covered with dry grass, but he understood the thoughts of people like Lu Da.

"The Jiang family lad has a good eye for people. Lu Da is a local tyrant, slippery but also afraid of death. He wants to get close to us simply because he sees that the Prefect has gained a title and Wang Shi has run away, so he wants to find a new tree for himself."

"It's usable for now, but it needs to be chained up!"

Xu Xianzhi turned around and looked at the deep night outside the cave.

"The problem is that there are barely three hundred capable fighters on the island, most of whom are former subordinates of Chen Jiao, who have a long-standing grudge against Lu Da and Zhou Laosi. Lu Da's troops are also mixed with remnants of Zhou Laosi. If they are allowed to come to the island now, I'm afraid internal strife will break out before the island is even secure."

Han Yong got up, picked up the letter, and read it again.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the Xianbei people requisitioned ships along the coast!"

Xu Xianzhi nodded silently. He looked at Han Yong, knowing that this veteran had also struggled in this Huaibei region before, just like Lu Da.

"How should Jiang Qianzhi respond? We can't just leave Lu Xun University hanging; if we keep them waiting too long, they'll really lose heart and leave!"

Han Yong picked up a glass of water, remained silent for a while, and then spoke.

"What Lu Da wants is a title and a way out. A title can't be given now, but a way out can be pointed out. Isn't he familiar with the geography and claims to be able to detect the movements of the Qin army and Xianbei? Perfect, let's use this as a test."

Xu Xianzhi had no choice but to do so after hearing this. He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and knew how to reply to the letter.

After writing, he blew the ink dry, then took another piece of rough paper and wrote a few more sentences in a simpler code.

This was addressed to Jiang Qianzhi personally, emphasizing the need to pay close attention to his personal safety and to be wary of those within Lu Da's camp, especially Zhou Laosi's group.

"Have the messenger return immediately and deliver the message to Jiang Qianzhi."

Xu Xianzhi handed the letter to Han Yong for review.

"What does Commander Han think?"

Han Yong read it and returned the letter without any objection.

"Should we send two more clever veterans? Lord Xiao values ​​this man highly!"

Xu Xianzhe suddenly added a sentence.

Han Yong shook his head. He knew all too well the capabilities of these scouts; having too many of them would actually be a disadvantage.

"No need for that, these people are very capable!"

That night, the secret message was sent to the rendezvous point on the coast.

Wild Boar Ridge, Lu Da Camp.

Jiang Qianzhi received a secret letter from Xu Xianzhi.

He read it carefully twice and understood it.

Young Master Xu's concerns were entirely reasonable, so he sought out Lu Da.

"Chief Lu, Young Master Xu has given orders."

Lu Da was immediately energized and rushed over.

"But are we permitted to come ashore?"

Jiang Qianzhi shook his head: "The Lord's army is approaching, but the military situation is urgent. Young Master Xu wants us to do our best to investigate the Qin army's movements, especially the coastal ship deployments, troop numbers, who the commander is, and any unusual activities. The intelligence must be accurate and timely; this is the most important task!"

Lu Da was slightly disappointed, but immediately patted his chest in relief.

"Leave the investigation to someone! Not a single blade of grass or tree in this area will escape my notice!"

"Furthermore, Young Master Xu has strictly ordered that during this period, your troops must be kept in check, their movements concealed, and no further incidents allowed, lest you alert the enemy. Your camp is a mixed group of people, so you must be especially vigilant. If any of them betray you or collude with the enemy..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already very clear.

Lu Da felt a chill run down his spine and nodded emphatically.

"I understand!"

"If Chief Lu can achieve this merit, Young Master Xu will certainly assist you when the Prefect arrives!"

Lu Da knew he had made mistakes before, and now that they were giving him an opportunity, they would also see how he performed.

He took a deep breath and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Jiang is at ease; I will certainly not disappoint the Prefect and Young Master Xu!"

"..."

Soon, Jiang Qianzhi personally assigned the tasks.

Lu Da dispatched several teams of his most skilled scouts, who, using their familiarity with the terrain, began to closely monitor the coastal area.

Jiang Qianzhi then began to keep an eye out for promising young players within the Lu University team...