My Sims of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

The Imperial Prison, night.

In his solitary cell, Xiao Heng sat with his back to the bars, bored. His thoughts drifted to the ancient book that was floating in the air, where the "Explore" button glowed faintly, indicating that it had finished cooling down.

Last time in San'a, he had very bad luck and only got a copy of "Essentials of Koi Fishing by Fishermen," which left him both amused and frustrated.

Now trapped in this predicament, he has no idea how to pry anything out.

Xiao Heng's eyes sharpened, and he immediately initiated the exploration.

[Start the exploration]

He flipped through the pages frantically, and this time the golden light was brighter than ever before. Xiao Heng was overjoyed. Was a big release about to happen?

The scene quickly freezes on a refined hot spring bathhouse, where steam rises from the water. A pale-faced young man, with a look of weariness and a strange excitement in his eyes, lies supine in the pool, holding a wine cup, while rows of maids stand beside him.

At the edge of the picture, in a corner of the Nine Dragons Screen, the imperial seal is half-hidden.

Xiao Heng's pupils constricted sharply, and his breathing stopped.

This time there was no hint; the name was given directly.

Sima Yao! The reigning emperor!

The golden light dissipated, the ancient book closed, and a line of information appeared.

[Successful Exploration]

You have glimpsed key figures connected to the historical potential of this era.

[Exploration feature enters cooldown period: 30 days]

Sima Yao? Has potential? Historically, wasn't he just a useless nobody who was killed by a palace maid?

Before Xiao Heng could think further, clear footsteps came from the end of the passageway, and there was more than one person.

Xiao Heng instantly suppressed all outward emotions, quickly moved back to the table, leaned his back slightly against the cold stone wall, closed his eyes, and adjusted his breathing to be long and steady.

The clanking of chains was amplified in the silent prison.

The cell door was pushed open, and a familiar voice rang out.

"You all retreat to the outside of the corridor and wait there. Do not approach without my orders."

Xiao Heng's heart trembled slightly. He opened his eyes a crack and saw Xie Xuan's friend Zhang Xuanzhi in the dim light of the yellow oil lamp. It was this man who had arrested him at the dock that day. He immediately stood up, cupped his hands in military etiquette, and bowed respectfully without being humble.

"General Zhang."

Zhang Xuanzhi's gaze swept across the four corners of the narrow cell, then lingered on Xiao Heng's face. Only when the footsteps faded into the distance and disappeared into the corridor did he breathe a sigh of relief and raise his hand in greeting.

"Sanlang, please sit down!"

The two sat facing each other across a wooden table, with an oil lamp placed on it, its light flickering between them.

"Yin Zhongkan is at the Court of Justice today!"

Zhang Xuanzhi didn't exchange any pleasantries and went straight to the point.

"He was publicly questioned by Youdu (Xie Xuan's courtesy name) about the warning letter from March. He stammered and could not answer. Youdu bluntly said that he was unfit for confidential matters and mentioned that he had not been invited to attend military meetings since then. Wang Guobao was also present and lost face completely."

Xiao Heng was genuinely taken aback.

"The Court of Judicial Review?"

Zhang Xuanzhi then realized he had been too hasty and hurriedly explained the matter concerning the Court of Justice.

Xiao Heng then understood. He felt quite pleased when he learned that Yin Zhongkan had been personally beaten to the ground by Xie Xuan. However, this development came faster and more thoroughly than he had expected. He blurted out, "This guy really doesn't have a brain."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuanzhi's usual serious expression remained unchanged, but the corners of his mouth pursed slightly downwards, as if this overly straightforward remark had touched a nerve.

He gave a very soft "hmm" in response, then his gaze returned to focus.

"That's not the point. I'm here tonight on behalf of Youdu to ask you some questions. You must answer truthfully without concealing anything, otherwise this matter will be difficult to handle. Right now, I'm afraid Yin Zhongkan knows too much!"

Xiao Heng straightened his back: "General, please ask. I will answer whatever I know."

Zhang Xuanzhi nodded and asked directly.

"Regarding the matter in Qu County, how exactly did you collude with the Cui family of Qingzhou? To what extent? How much does Xie Mudu (Xie Shao) know, and what did he agree to?"

Zhang Xuanzhi's questions were concise, clear, and progressively deeper, clearly indicating that he had already prepared a plan.

Xiao Heng felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that Xie Xuan was using the most trusted channel for final verification, which might also be the key to deciding the subsequent course of action.

Without further hesitation, he recounted the events in Qu County in a clear and organized manner. However, he concealed Deng Jinghe's deeper intention to secretly screen refugees and observe the reactions of local powerful figures, emphasizing only that it was a temporary mutual assistance during the war.

Zhang Xuanzhi listened quietly, and only spoke slowly after Xiao Heng finished speaking.

"With only three thousand exhausted soldiers, you were able to defeat the Murong Xianbei, achieve great victories, and even capture their general alive. Your abilities always exceed expectations."

"Xie Mudu, a month ago, encountered a huge wave while traveling south. His group of more than ten people perished!"

His gaze was fixed on Xiao Heng.

"Wang Guobao has now confirmed that you have dealings with the Xu family, and may even know about the Cui family!"

Xie Yun is dead? A chill ran down Xiao Heng's spine. No wonder there had been no news of her.

The Xu family is too easy to investigate, as is the Cui family. These are not things he is worried about, as long as Deng Jing is not exposed.

Silence spread between the two, broken only by the occasional crackling sound of the oil lamp wick popping.

Xiao Heng's mind raced as he pieced together the fragments. The fact that Xie Shao's connection had been severed did put him at a disadvantage.

According to Zhou Laosi's confession, Wang Guobao may have some clues, but they may not be clear. At worst, they can expose each other's misdeeds. Wang's family has a lot of bad deeds in Qu County.

"General Zhang, the person Cui is in contact with! Although I haven't contacted him directly, if things are urgent or communication is difficult, we can try sending a message through a silk warehouse in Shangyu. The warehouse owner's surname is Wu, and he is an old servant of Cui. He should know how to urgently contact the main family in Qingzhou. Xu Xianzhi of the Xu family in Donghai may also know the inside story!"

"Shangyu? Wu's trading post? Xu's?"

Zhang Xuanzhi repeated in a low voice, "This clue is more specific and more important than I expected."

"I see."

Zhang Xuanzhi suddenly stood up.

"This matter must be clarified before Wang Guobao does. Shangyu is not far; I will personally take a reliable person there."

He looked at Xiao Heng, his tone softening slightly, but still firm.

"You remain here and do not be impatient for now. But the dangers of the subsequent power struggles in the court have not diminished. I will convey your message."

Xiao Heng rose and bowed deeply: "I am deeply grateful for General's trouble. Please take care."

Zhang Xuanzhi said no more, nodded slightly, and turned to walk towards the prison door.

The cell returned to darkness and silence. Xiao Heng slowly sat back down in his original position. Xu Xianzhi and Zhou Laosi had now become the key to breaking the deadlock, but he was not worried about the two of them at all.

Zhang Xuanzhi's involvement means that Xie Xuan will use more direct power, but Wang Guobao and even Sima Yao behind him will not sit idly by.

Thinking of this, Xiao Heng vaguely felt that this Sima Yao was not a waste, at least he had potential, otherwise he would not have been discovered by the ancient book.

Jiankang Palace, the study in the west wing of the Taiji Hall.

Night had fallen, but the study was still brightly lit by candlelight. Wisps of smoke rose from the gilded Boshan incense burner, the finest imperial incense with a clear and lingering aroma.

The young Sima Yao was wearing a black casual robe, without a crown, and his long hair was tied up casually. He was leaning against a long bag behind the imperial desk.

He held a summary of today's interrogation records from the Court of Justice in his hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over it, the corners of his mouth occasionally curving into an elusive arc, a smile that seemed both ambiguous and enigmatic in the flickering candlelight.

Wang Ya, standing to the side, kept his eyes down, his posture respectful, but his mind was entirely focused on the emperor behind the imperial desk.

He knew very well that the young king before him was not as indulgent in wine and pleasure or controlled by powerful ministers as the outside world perceived him to be. His forbearance and occasional sharpness kept him on high alert and full of anticipation.

"Hmm..."

Sima Yao suddenly chuckled and pointed to a spot on the dossier with his fingertip.

"Zhang Xuanzhi is indeed decisive and efficient. Is this the kind of person Xie Anshi employs?"

He seemed to be talking to himself, or perhaps asking a question.

Wang Ya bowed slightly and answered cautiously.

"General Zhang is known for his meticulousness and decisiveness!"

Sima Yao remained noncommittal, turning the page and focusing his gaze on the account of Xiao Heng's second warning letter and the part about Xie Xuan questioning Yin Zhongkan in court.

He stared for a long time, so long that Wang Ya almost thought he had lost focus, before slowly speaking in a calm voice.

"Minister Wang, what are your thoughts on the exchange conducted by the Court of Justice today?"

Wang Ya's mind raced; she knew this was a test, and the emperor was seeking some kind of confirmation.

But he dared not make any rash judgments, carefully considering each word.

"Your Majesty, I have carefully examined all the relevant military reports from the Northern Army and reviewed the correspondence before and after the Battle of Huaiyin. Peng Chao's entrenched position in Huainan, relying on the fortified city and possessing a large army, is indeed a major threat. General Xie's command was skillful, but without a change of circumstances, it would be difficult to capture the city quickly. Xiao Heng's surprise attack and capture of the city was indeed the key to breaking the stalemate. If Huaiyin had not fallen, the situation in Huainan would likely have been much more difficult."

He paused, then glanced at Sima Yao who was nodding slightly. Feeling somewhat reassured, he continued.

"As for this man's actions, judging from his letters, he can assess the situation and provide early warnings of the enemy's movements even in dire circumstances. Although he may seem to act arbitrarily, he also demonstrates quick wit in battle. Although his subordinates are blunt in their speech, their loyalty to their commander is unwavering, showing that he can win the hearts and minds of his men. Such a person is like a sharp blade, capable of breaking through strong defenses and destroying the enemy's advance; however, if not properly managed..."

Wang Ya didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Sima Yao gently closed the dossier in his hand and placed it on the table. He raised his eyes and looked at Wang Ya. His eyes were clear and bright, without a trace of dazedness.

"I refuse to be subservient to anyone..."

Sima Yao pondered these four words, his smile deepening.

"Such people who refuse to be inferior to others seem to be becoming increasingly rare."

His tone was indifferent, yet it made Wang Ya break out in a cold sweat.

"My dear Wang, tell me, does this knife now prefer to be in Xie Anshi's hands, or would it prefer to find its own scabbard?"

Wang Ya was shocked and lowered her head deeply.

"Your Majesty's wisdom is profound, while I am foolish and dare not presume to fathom the intentions of tigers and wolves. I only know that the point of the sword ultimately rests with the one wielding it."

Sima Yao chuckled softly, the sound so low and slow that it seemed somewhat abrupt in the quiet study.

"The one with the knife!"

He repeated it, then turned his gaze to the deep night outside the window.

"Yes, who is the real wielder of the knife? Let's not follow the example of the Xi family!"

He withdrew his gaze and focused it back on Wang Ya, his tone returning to its almost languid manner.

"The matter concerning the Court of Justice today was handled fairly appropriately. As for this Xiao Heng!"

Sima Yao paused for a moment, as if making a decision.

After a few moments, he raised his eyes and looked at Wang Ya.

"Not enough!"

Wang Ya was taken aback, not understanding what he meant.

Sima Yao, however, turned slightly to the side and added the second half of the sentence in an almost whispered voice.

"Keep an eye on him secretly, don't let him fall easily at the hands of those fools."

Wang Ya suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with shock, but when she met Sima Yao's eyes, all her surprise and doubt were instantly suppressed, turning into a deeper awe and reverence.

He immediately bowed, his voice extremely low.

"Your Majesty, I understand."

Sima Yao waved his hand and leaned back in his seat, looking rather dejected.

"I'm tired, you may leave now. The formalities with the Court of Justice must be completed; the final decision rests with Minister Xie!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave."

Wang Ya bowed again, slowly withdrew from the study, and gently closed the palace door.

Standing under the eaves, a cool autumn breeze blew, and he realized that his inner shirt was soaked with cold sweat.

He glanced back at the flickering candlelight through the window, his heart filled with turmoil.

In any case, from this moment on, Xiao Heng's name has been placed on the emperor's chessboard.

Although their position was still insignificant, once they had caught the emperor's eye, their fate was no longer entirely in the hands of the Court of Justice or even the King of Kuaiji.

Wang Ya took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and stepped into the night of the deep palace.