My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

Huaiyin City was located in the plain area on the south bank of the Huai River (now Madian Town, Huai'an District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province).

Since the Qin Dynasty destroyed Chu in the 24th year of King Zheng of Qin's reign, Huaiyin County was first established, and it has become a vital point in the heart of the Jianghuai region.

In the sixth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han, this place was the homeland of Han Xin, who was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Huaiyin. By the time of the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, it had become a water transport hub. When Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu and Dong Xian, who controlled Donghai, were fighting for control of the region, this place was the key point of their repeated tug-of-war.

During the Three Kingdoms and Jin Dynasties, Chen Deng, the governor of Guangling, moved the administrative center to the vicinity of this place and built the "Hanhuai Weir" water conservancy project, which not only protected farmland irrigation but also served as a military barrier, making Huaiyin a strategic base on the front line of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. The network of waterways and fortifications made it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

When Liu Hun led his troops into the city, the atmosphere was far less enthusiastic than he had expected.

The governor of Luozhou, Shao Bao, only greeted him inside the city. The etiquette was quite thorough, but there was little joy on his wrinkled face at the arrival of reinforcements.

As the procession drew near, Liu Hun dismounted, tossed his riding whip to his personal guard, and bowed to Shao Bao with a smile, saying, "Governor Shao, how have you been? The Commander-in-Chief ordered me to lead five thousand elite troops to assist in the defense of Huaiyin. Now, let's see if Xiao Heng dares to covet Sikou again!"

"Sima Liu has had a long and arduous journey."

Without exchanging pleasantries, Shao Bao got straight to the point.

"Xiao Heng's troops are moving strangely. It has been nearly ten days since they appeared in the lower reaches of the Shu River, but their main force has not yet been revealed. They seem to be familiar with the waterways and their whereabouts are elusive. Our army has sent troops to search and annihilate them several times, but all of these efforts have been in vain."

Liu Hun was dressed in fine armor, which contrasted sharply with the simple military uniforms of Shao Bao and the surrounding generals. His brows carried the arrogance unique to Peng Chao's confidants.

"Lord Shao is overthinking it. These are just a few bandits, relying on their naval advantage, hiding their true intentions. The Commander-in-Chief is worried about the supply lines, so he specially dispatched me with 5,000 elite troops here to clear the flanks and open up the water and land routes from Qingzhou to this place."

After Liu Hun finished speaking, he walked straight ahead without paying any attention to anything else. This attitude of taking the initiative made Shao Bao somewhat unhappy.

He stepped forward and walked alongside Liu Hun, but his brow remained furrowed.

"Sir Liu, your arrival is timely, but the situation in Huaiyin is probably more troublesome than you anticipated. As you know, Huaiyin is a vital waterway. The Huai River Weir built by Chen Deng back then runs around the city, and the surrounding water network consists of old canals planned in those days, crisscrossing and more unpredictable than ordinary waterways."

"Lord Shao, you are overthinking it!"

Liu Hun wouldn't listen at all, and Shao Bao slightly raised his eyelids and pressed for an answer.

"How does Sima Liu intend to clarify the situation?"

"Naturally, we will take the initiative and sweep across the area north of Sikou, along the banks of Mushui and Youshui!"

Shao Bao shook his head as he listened, but Liu Hun didn't care about his attitude at all.

The two arrived at the governor's mansion, dismissed the servants, and Shao Bao spread a crumpled map on the table and continued to persuade them.

"That Xiao Heng is no ordinary bandit. A few days ago, he led his troops to probe Sikou, but seeing that our army was well-defended, he did not linger in battle and immediately retreated. Now we have discovered that he has occupied Huaipu County. This man is extremely adept at assessing the situation. Although he only has a few thousand men under his command, most of them are refugees familiar with the Huai and Si waterways, and he also has a fleet of fast ships!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hun chuckled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said nonchalantly.

"They're nothing but a rabble taking advantage of the terrain to wreak havoc, occupying a dilapidated county town. Why should Governor Shao embolden them? I've come here on the orders of the Commander-in-Chief to wipe out the remaining enemy forces north of Sikou and reopen the grain route from Qingzhou to Huaiyin. Since Xiao Heng dares to cause trouble here, I'll lead my troops north and uproot him completely!"

"No, Commander Liu, this place is not the flat plains of the Central Plains. The Huai and Si Rivers are crisscrossed by waterways and covered with dense reeds. What appears to be a plain is actually the domain of naval forces. Xiao Heng's forces are reported to have many ships, which move about as swiftly as fish in water. How effective can your cavalry be in this network of waterways and mud? Infantry will be even slower, making them extremely vulnerable to attacks along the river by his naval forces, or ambushes."

He pointed to the crisscrossing lines on the map, his tone urgent.

"In my opinion, we should focus on defense. Xiao Heng's forces are meager, and he will not dare to hold Huaipu for long. Sooner or later, he will attack Sikou. Moreover, he may not know the true situation within the city, nor may he have a clear understanding of the water network layout around the Huaihe River Weir. We only need to deliberately relax the defenses of Sikou, making it appear as if our forces are weak, to lure him into attacking. Then, relying on the crossbows on the city walls and the water conservancy works of the Huaihe River Weir, and then launching a pincer attack with cavalry, we will surely annihilate him in one fell swoop!"

"A trap?"

Liu Hun put down his teacup, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

"Is Governor Shao so terrified of Xiao Heng? If he truly possessed strength, why didn't he dare launch a full-scale attack on Sikou, instead choosing to cower in Huaipu? In my opinion, he's just bluffing! Now that I've brought five thousand fresh troops, it's the perfect opportunity to strike while he's still consolidating his position. The Commander-in-Chief has already ordered me to seize the chance to annihilate the enemy and reopen the supply lines—this is the perfect opportunity for us to achieve great things!"

Liu Hun's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement. He had served under Peng Chao for a long time, always as a military advisor, and had never led troops on his own.

This opportunity for him to bring five thousand men is a chance to prove himself. How could he be content to sit and defend the city and miss this opportunity?

Seeing that he was unmoved by reason, Shao Bao's expression grew increasingly unpleasant.

"Commander Liu! You only think of gaining merit, but disregard the safety of your soldiers! The water network fortifications at Huaiyin were originally designed to block cavalry. Xiao Heng is a cunning fellow; if you insist on sending troops, you will surely fall into his trap!"

"trap?"

Liu Hun sneered.

"With my five thousand elite troops, well-equipped, do you think I'm afraid of a few thousand refugees? If Governor Shao is afraid, just guard your city and your Huai River embankment. I, Liu Hun, alone with my army, can pacify Huaipu and behead Xiao Heng!"

The two argued incessantly, creating a tense atmosphere in the governor's mansion.

Seeing the fervor in Liu Hun's eyes, Shao Bao knew that the man had been blinded by his desire to achieve merit, and that further words would be of no use.

He remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a dejected sigh, his tone icy.

"Very well, if you want to send troops, I won't stop you. But the garrison in Huaiyin must remain to guard the city and prevent the Northern Navy from taking advantage of the situation. I will not send a single soldier to support you."

Liu Hun didn't care at all, and instead burst into laughter.

"Excellent! I've been wanting to lead the army alone, so no one will hold me back! Governor Shao, just wait and see the news of my triumphant return!"

He turned and strode out of the governor's mansion, leaving Shao Bao alone standing in front of the desk, staring at the water network between Huaipu and Huaiyin on the map, his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

"This brat is not worth discussing anything with!"

Shao Bao cursed under his breath and slammed his fist on the table.

He knew all too well the dangers of this waterway. The fortifications Chen Deng had built were originally intended as a powerful weapon to defend against the enemy, but now they were becoming a death knell for Liu Hun's underestimation and reckless advance.

Watching his departing figure, Shao Bao remained silent for a long time.

Xiao Heng was able to defeat Murong Yan; he was no easy opponent. His concealment was more worrying than a sudden attack.

At this moment, one of Shao Bao's confidants entered. Seeing Liu Hun leave in a hurry, he asked in a low voice without answering.

"My lord, then we..."

"As usual."

Shao Bao reverted to his usual cold and hard demeanor.

"Strengthen the city's defenses, send out more scouts and spies, and keep a close watch on the waterways to the north and west. The Sishui water fortress is outwardly relaxed but inwardly vigilant; it's just for show. Let Commander Liu try to gain merit; our duty is to guard Huaiyin."