My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

Five days later.

When Xu Xianzhi's fleet appeared on the horizon, the soldiers in the watchtower could hardly believe their eyes.

Not just one or two, but a full eight large, fully loaded ships, with their drafts extremely deep and sails billowing, were cutting through the waves toward Yuzhou Island.

The fleet docked one by one at the pier, which was mostly under repair.

Xu Xianzhi was the first to jump off the deck and quickly walked to Xiao Heng, who was coming to greet him. His usually calm face now showed a hint of relieved excitement as he bowed deeply.

"I admire him; I have fulfilled my mission!"

Xiao Heng supported him, but his gaze had already swept past his shoulder and was looking at the scene of unloading the ship.

Bags of millet were carried off the boat, along with bundles of linen, herbs, and even several large barrels of precious kerosene.

What's even more striking is that hundreds of men, women, and children disembarked from the boats that followed. They were dressed in ordinary clothes, but their behavior was different from that of ordinary refugees and salt farmers.

Before Xiao Heng could ask any questions, Zhou Laosi hurriedly got off the boat and explained.

"This trip south was also ordered by Lord Cui."

Zhou Laosi bowed respectfully to Xiao Heng, his attitude respectful but not humble.

"I admire you, my lord, for your ability to hold up the sky against the enemy in this perilous coastal region. I have come south on the orders of my master, firstly to assist Mr. Xu in transporting some provisions to relieve your urgent needs, and secondly..."

He paused briefly, glanced at Xiao Heng's expression, and lowered his voice.

"The head of the family has important matters to discuss with the Prefect. This matter concerns the future of the entire Cui clan and is also closely related to the Prefect's great cause."

Xiao Heng's eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

"I am extremely grateful. Since you have important matters to discuss with me, please make the arrangements first, and we will talk in detail later."

He then instructed Chen Da, Tan Lin, and others to take over the placement of the grain and the Cui family members who had come with the ship, while he and Xu Xianzhi headed towards the water fortress.

Xu Xianzhi first gave a brief report on the trip, especially how Cui was eager to head south after Lu Da's successful robbery of the weapons.

"The Qin army has already noticed something. Although there is no conclusive evidence directly implicating the Cui family, several families affiliated with the Cui family have been affected. In particular, Langya Port has been thoroughly investigated, and two less important members of collateral branches have been imprisoned. The situation is very tense!"

Xiao Heng didn't reply for a long time. He had already informed Xie Yun about the Cui family's matter and had received a reply two days ago. However, the sender was not Xie Yun. Xiao Heng felt that the letter was Xie An's message. The letter contained a lot of information, but most of it was a warning.

"My lord, is there something troubling you?"

"It's alright, the fighting has probably just dragged on!"

"So, what's the next step?"

Xiao Heng did not answer immediately, but stood up and looked in the direction of Qu County.

"Zongwen, once the Cui family has gone south, they will be handed over to the Xie family. After that, you should temporarily return to Shangyu to ask someone to treat General Deng. The general was seriously injured in this battle, and even the Taoist priest was at a loss!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xianzhi hurriedly stood up, and after thinking for a moment, he clasped his hands in agreement.

"I understand!"

Xiao Heng turned around and looked at Xu Xianzhi.

"General Deng's identity is special; remember to keep it a secret. Also, Captain Jiang is escorting Murong Yan and will be accompanying him to Guangling!"

"Murong Yan? Alive?"

Xiao Heng nodded.

"Not many people know about this, and Captain Jiang is handling it. You should wait for news in Shangyu!"

Xu Xianzhi knew something was wrong when he heard this, but he didn't ask any further questions, understanding that Xiao Heng didn't want him to get involved.

"What about Zhou Laosi?"

"This person knows too much; I'll keep him by my side!"

"That's excellent!"

"..."

That day, Xu Xianzhi and Jiang Qianzhi left in a hurry with their men as soon as they returned, mainly because of Deng Jing's injury.

Also departing this time were some artisans and doctors selected by Xiao Heng.

That night, Xiao Heng summoned Cui Lin, also known as Zhou Laosi.

As soon as Zhou Laosi arrived, he began to complain.

"Your Excellency, since the last time... the goods were stolen. Although it was done cleanly, our Cui family was the first to be affected. The Murong family has always treated our noble families with a mixture of use and suspicion. Now that suspicion has arisen, no one can escape unscathed when the nest is overturned. The patriarch and the elders of the clan have decided to send a group of elite disciples, along with some books, craftsmen, and wealth, to cross the river to the south first, as a plan for the survival of the family!"

He looked at Xiao Heng with a frank and eager gaze.

"Looking around, the only place that can provide support and give my Cui clan a foothold and a chance to breathe at this moment is your residence, Lord Prefect. Although you live on an island, you have defeated Murong Yan and are a real force. My Cui clan is willing to form an alliance with you. Not only will we provide you with provisions this time, but our sons and artisans who have migrated south can also be used by you. All we ask for is a place to settle down and, if possible in the future, a few good words for our Cui clan in court, so that we may retain a glimmer of hope to return to the Qingliu faction."

Xiao Heng listened silently to these conditions that had been proposed before, and he was very disdainful. This Zhou Laosi was originally colluding with the Wang family of Taiyuan. Now he wanted to force him by borrowing a batch of military equipment. Xie's letter also mentioned the threat from the Wang family. What the Cui family wanted was a refuge and future political investment. What they gave up was only the urgently needed population, technology, funds, and potential influence among the northern gentry.

"I appreciate your kindness, Lord Cui."

Xiao Heng spoke, his voice steady.

"Yuzhou Island has just been established, and everything is in need of rebuilding. It is indeed short of people, especially people like the Cui family members who are knowledgeable, reasonable, and skilled in all matters. Although the island is humble, it is enough to provide temporary shelter from the storms."

Zhou Yin's expression stiffened; this was different from his previous decision.

"but!"

Xiao Heng changed the subject, his gaze turning cold as he looked at Zhou Laosi.

"Do you, Zhou Laosi, still have some unresolved matters to take care of?"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the coldness in his eyes sent a chill down Zhou Laosi's spine.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency! The head of the family has also given strict orders that we will obey Your Excellency's arrangements in everything!"

Xiao Heng nodded, his expression softening slightly.

"Very well, I will send the Cui clan members to Jiankang, but you must stay!"

Zhou Laosi had expected this to happen, and hurriedly bowed.

"Yes, sir!"

The tone of the negotiations was thus set.

The Cui clan member Xiao Heng was left to be dealt with by the Xie family. As for the Wang family, by then Xiao Heng had already left the area and become a meritorious official in the recapture of Donghai County.

A few days later.

Xiao Heng's banner appeared on the sea off the coast of Qu County, while the few remaining tattered flags on the city wall trembled in the morning breeze.

There was no resistance as expected, not even a proper warning.

The scouts reported the same thing as in the simulation: the city's defenses were weak, the garrison was disorganized, and the commander, Murong Xu, had led the Xianbei people to abandon the city and flee.

When Han Yong led the vanguard battalion into the city gate, most of the scattered soldiers guarding the city stood still. When they saw the dark mass of troops pouring in, some threw down their weapons, while most were at a loss.

The highest-ranking officer left behind was a Han Chinese captain surnamed Wang, who surrendered to Han Yong with his men.

"Murong...Murong Xu received an urgent order from the north three days ago and left with his Xianbei troops last night. Before leaving, he ordered us to hold the city, but...but the number of soldiers in the city who can fight is no more than two thousand, and most of them are local conscripts and newly surrendered soldiers..."

Han Yong looked at the captain who was terrified and ordered his men to take him away.

In less than half an hour, Qu County was under control.

Han Yong received over 1,900 garrison troops, mostly Han soldiers. The city's granaries only had enough grain for 5,000 people for half a month, and the armory still contained some old weapons and armor. Gold, silver, valuables, and salt had been looted. There were about 3,000 civilians, mostly salt farmers whom Murong Yan had previously plundered from other places.

Upon returning to Qu County, Xiao Heng sent several scouts south and ordered Lu Ming to return to Jiankang in person.

......