Character Story
1 Her Leadership
Once a merchant was tasked with a journey to Jinzhou. "I'm not well," he promptly refused. "I would die halfway if I were to go there." His colleague smiled and responded, "You'll know what it's like once you see it for yourself."
Reluctantly, the duo set out for Jinzhou. They traversed countless barren wastelands and perilous jungles until they finally reached a picturesque place embraced by lush mountains and clear water.
Standing at the end of the forest path were towering city gates. Soldiers on guard gave them a friendly welcome, granting them entry after a quick check of their papers.
A lively tapestry of life unfurled before them as they ventured into Jinzhou. Contrary to expectations, the city was a bustling hub of activity and lacked any trace of desolation or bleakness. Amidst well-designed buildings and serene ponds teeming with colorful carp, they discovered a captivating scenery that rivaled even the lush landscapes of inland regions. Lost in the lively atmosphere, they sampled Kungfu Tea at Liuxian Teahouse, savored the specialty dish at Panhua's Restaurant, and immersed themselves in the shows at Jinzhou Theater. With each experience, their weariness faded away, replaced by the invigorating energy of Jinzhou and the warm hospitality of its people.
"Unbelievable! Who would have thought a borderland city could thrive like this? It feels like a utopia. It must have taken a lot of hard work to create such beautiful structures in here."
"Our magistrate always preached the value of hard work. No matter your circumstances, with determination and effort, you can achieve your dreams. So despite the barren mountains and Tacet Discords, we built our homes and savored the good times before hardship struck."
"It's amazing how you all pulled it off. It couldn't have been easy, but each of you made it happen. Truly impressive."
"Well, it's not as tough as it seems with our great magistrate leading the way. We just follow her lead, and she takes care of everything here."
"Yeah, she seems really wise and capable. I bet she has years of experience too?"
"Nope, she's still young, only in her teens!"
"Teens?!"
2 Her Wish-granting Magic
Taking on this great responsibility, Jinhsi felt determined to guide Jinzhou towards a better future, despite her initial challenges. She also understood that trust had to be earned through hard work and dedication.
Despite the skepticism she encountered, Jinhsi was more troubled by the weariness etched on the faces of the people—a weariness born of life's hardships and a lack of hope.
She realized that beyond addressing tangible issues like material shortages and external threats, her true challenge was to restore the hope and confidence of the people of Jinzhou, who had been worn down by life.
In such times, what the people needed most was a reliable source of hope, regardless of who provided it.
During a reconstruction event, the young magistrate performed a "miracle" known as "Sentinel Granting Wishes." The remote village had been plagued by weather anomalies for years. Even though the Tacet Discords had stopped, villagers still suffered from extreme cold and gloom.
Jinhsi asked the villagers to voice their wishes. At first, silence hung heavy until a sneeze broke the silence. A timid voice then followed, "It's so cold… I wish it was a bit warmer here."
Standing amidst the crowd, Jinhsi held a Loong Scale, closed her eyes, and nodded, "I will convey your wish to the Sentinel."
Right after her words fell, loong horns sprouted from her head, and a Sentinel-like light pierced the dark clouds and the snow on the ground—just in an instant, the ice thawed, and the land once again sprang to life.
Witnessing this spectacle, the crowd exclaimed, "The Sentinel... the Sentinel has shown itself!" People observed the loong-shaped light in awe, with hope rekindling in their eyes.
News of the young magistrate's wish-granting ability spread rapidly in Jinzhou. Wishing became a popular custom, with people submitting their desires to her at City Hall. She meticulously examined each one and devised effective strategies to fulfill them.
"Dear Magistrate, I'm worried about Tacet Discords infiltrating our city."—Taoqi, director of the Defense Division, was then tasked with fortifying the city defense walls.
"Dear Magistrate, I pray for my father's safe return and an end to the war."—Jinhsi prioritized research on Tacetite weaponry and material engineering, pushing for new weapons against Discords and faster upgrades for defense.
"Dear Magistrate, the Exiles have been spotted in the city. I'm scared."—Jinhsi expanded Patrol Stations, added Patrollers in the city, and assigned more Midnight Rangers to guard outside.
Within three years, the city defense walls were renewed, new weapons were created, and Tacet Discords were repelled. Jinzhou finally ushered in peace and prosperity.
As time passed, people came to realize that the so-called "Sentinel Granting Wishes" was just a white lie from the young magistrate.
However, they also discovered her true dedication to addressing their problems and concerns, always being on the spot at lightning speed.
The lights in City Hall never went out, even on holidays. Jinhsi worked tirelessly until midnight, developing feasible plans to fulfill people's wishes.
And eventually, they came to understand that she possessed an incredible power - without a Loong Scale, she could summon a dazzling light that could pierce through ice and turn the tide of time.
...
Today, making wishes has become a habit for Jinzhou people, an unspoken agreement between them and their young magistrate.
"Dear Magistrate, I hope you can take some time to relax and come watch our latest show." This was the last wish of the year.
Smiling, Jinhsi closed the file in her hands, leaned against the window in her office, and listened to the melodious singing from Jinzhou Theater, where the new Hero Play, Loong Maiden and Wishes, was being performed.
3 Her Kindness
Back then, Tacet Discords ravaged the lands, and warriors fought for every piece of land. People dreaded the thought of bidding farewell to loved ones heading to the front lines, uncertain if those farewells might be forever.
After witnessing the despair and anguish in her people's eyes, the newly appointed young magistrate couldn't bear to add to their sorrow. She understood that revealing her own distress would only weaken the hard-earned confidence and hope they held onto amidst adversity.
Thus, she never let a hint of despair show, always exuding composure.
Despite her unwavering smile and gentle demeanor, Jinhsi was aware that without tangible results, her actions may be perceived as insincere or ignorant of the people's suffering. To counter this, she resolved to be a proactive magistrate, tirelessly working to address their concerns and guide them towards a life of happiness and peace.
While the Midnight Rangers valiantly fought to protect Jinzhou, a different yet equally difficult battle raged within the city walls.
Families of soldiers grappled with anxiety. Their worries for their loved ones' safety had disrupted their daily lives.
Unfortunately, interference in the Tacet Fields hindered real-time communication with soldiers. In response, Jinhsi implemented a speedy delivery service in collaboration with the Ministry of Development and Lollo Logistics. Free letters were quickly delivered to families of soldiers, thanks to Lollo Logistics, while the Ministry of Development built shortcuts for efficient transport. This helped ease the worries of families wanting updates on their loved ones serving in the military.
Another pressing issue Jinhsi tackled was comforting families who lost loved ones in battle. She worked with the Ministry of War and Ministry of Development to create a thorough plan.
The city honored fallen soldiers by increasing compensation for their families and building a wall of remembrance in Knell Square. Tablets bearing their names were made from the finest ore, able to withstand the elements and provide solace for centuries to come. The Midnight Rangers may not have fought for honor, but their sacrifices deserved to be remembered. With the completion of Knell Square, people had another place to commemorate and seek comfort in their loss.
In all these efforts to console and address the aftermath, Jinhsi always led by example. Whenever people saw her gentle smile, they knew she would introduce policies that cheered them up just like her smile did. Such warmth served as a balm for the wounds of war, helping the people of Jinzhou endure difficult times.
4 Her Rare Anger
"Does our magistrate even know how to get angry? She's always so calm, no matter what."
"Seriously, I've wondered about that too. How would she look when mad?"
"I've seen it," replied Shi, a typically solitary miner who stays focused on his work.
It was an exceptionally bitter winter. The contractor, citing supposed excessive equipment usage, claimed a hefty sum from a mining project, leaving the miners with nothing to show for their labor.
Fresh from the aftermath of battles, chaos reigned. With the surge in demand for civil construction, the need for ores skyrocketed. However, the Ministry of Development's exploration equipment fell short, forcing them to resort to renting privately owned tools. However, the contractor proved to be a profiteer, reneging on payment when the time came. What's worse, as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, he wielded a monopoly over exploration equipment in the market and paid little heed to the officials.
After a year of hard work, Shi had been counting on the payment to spend a joyous New Year with his family. But now, that simple wish seemed out of reach. Looking at his calloused, weathered hands, Shi recalled the words of his colleague, Debiao: "…Honesty won't fill our pockets. Let's take action and get back what we deserve—our own hard-earned cash."
Under the cover of night, Shi and his fellow workers sneaked into the merchant's mansion. Pressing his ear against the door, Shi listened intently for any signs of movement, ready to seize the chance to burst in.
"Mr. Zhu, I'm here to deliver some news," a young girl's voice sounded from within, gentle yet tinged with an unsettling chill. "You have been removed from the Chamber of Commerce, and your business license has been revoked. Henceforth, you are forbidden from engaging in any commercial activities in Jinzhou."
"Huh? That's funny. We're in Jinzhou, a city renowned for its adherence to the law. Since you're new to your role, dear Magistrate, I'll turn a blind eye to your ignorance. Let me tell you: expelling a Chamber of Commerce president takes a minimum of two weeks here, and as for revoking my business license, I demand evidence! No evidence, no revocation. Simple as that."
"Since you mentioned the law, then let's discuss it. Per Article 180 of the Jinzhou Commercial Law, expelling a Chamber of Commerce president requires over half of its members' signatures, as well as those of the Minister of Commerce and Director of the Ministry of Development. Obtaining approval from the magistrate can be time-consuming. Therefore, I am here to inform you personally in order to expedite the return of wages for our workers."
"Regarding the evidence you requested… The Patrol Station has already collected and submitted it to the Decree Council. I am always prepared."
"As I leave, know that your monopoly on exploration gear has ended. The Ministry of Development expedited production and new equipment arrived today. Your monopoly was never going to last."
Lost in the noise inside, Shi missed the rest of the conversation. It seemed like someone was defending themselves, but Shi knew it would be useless against overwhelming proof and careful planning.
Soon, they were notified of their rightful payment on their Terminals. Finally, they could ring in the New Year with happiness.
Following that, such occurrences ceased as Magistrate Jinhsi enacted new laws prohibiting monopolies and amended payment settlement procedures: workers' wages are settled before contractors receive their payments.
As winter faded into spring, a new era dawned.
"C'mon Shi, spill the beans! What was the Magistrate like when she got angry?"
"Well... She wasn't scary. She looked very dependable. Reassuring."
"What?!"
5 Her Long-awaited Guest
Since taking office, she deftly navigates Jinzhou's complex affairs, implementing policies that have brought about peace and prosperity for its people, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity.
As the Magistrate of Jinzhou, Jinhsi's responsibilities extend from matters of great importance, such as military and political affairs, to seemingly minor issues. However, she believes that even the smallest details can greatly impact people's lives. This is the standard she holds herself to.
Though well-informed, Jinhsi still faced mysteries unknown to her. Lately, a person of great significance to her city had arrived, surrounded by elusive secrets. This only piqued her curiosity and concern for them even more.
According to historical records, a legendary hero in Jinzhou was said to possess the power of absorbing Tacet Discords with their bare hands. This person left an unforgettable mark on the history of Jinzhou and even the entire Huanglong region. Now, a new individual with unique abilities was about to appear in the world. Jinhsi suspected they may be connected to the fabled hero. Knowing the significance of this distinguished guest, Jinhsi planned a careful welcome, fully aware that they would be drawn into conflicts and conspiracies. Thus, she crafted a meticulous plan to greet them in her own distinctive manner.
She recorded a message to be broadcast throughout the region, extending a warm welcome to all visitors to Jinzhou, ensuring they felt warmly welcomed. She then purposefully left tokens to find her awaited guest, and to uncover hidden threats in the shadows.
Worried about her distinguished guest's safety, she sent her personal bodyguard to protect them in secret. Mobilizing all available resources, she provided just the right amount of assistance to help her guest unravel one puzzle after another. Jinhsi remained determined to return to Jinzhou in time for their three-day agreement, despite hardships.
Once a serene haven, Mt. Firmament bristled with instability, its tranquility disrupted by the Sentinel's peril and minions of the Fractsidus. Driven by a desire for Jinzhou's peace, the young magistrate ventured alone into the fray, confronting various difficulties while seeking information about the Sentinel.
Emerging unharmed from such adversity was challenging for even someone as strong-willed as Jinhsi. But whenever she felt discouraged or lost in self-doubt, she'd remember a certain person. Upon waking up, that individual swiftly grasped the intricate circumstances, exhibiting patience as they awaited her decision. Jinhsi was sure they would lead Jinzhou to a brighter future, together.
On the City Hall's terrace, Jinhsi, the returning magistrate, gazed at esteemed guest with relief and joy. With a nod of greeting, she uttered the words she had rehearsed a thousand times over:
"It's been three days."
"We've both made it on time."
"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Jinhsi... It brings me great joy to see you, Rover."
Voice Lines
Thoughts: I
Welcome to Jinzhou, esteemed guest from afar. My apologies for any shortcomings in my hospitality; my schedule is quite full. If there is a matter requiring my attention, please do not hesitate to find me at City Hall.
Thoughts: II
The bustling city of Jinzhou is a product of every blooming flower, sturdy brickwork, and occupied home. With every new visitor, the city gains new life. Among them, you are truly one of a kind... No, I am not simply repeating what our Sentinel has said. These words come from my heart as well.
Thoughts: III
An old proverb states, "When a great mind emerges, even the sea will part and the mountains will tremble." It speaks to the transformative power of extraordinary individuals... With your presence in Jinzhou, I believe great changes will come in due time.
Thoughts: IV
I used to be quite curious about your background. However, I've come to realize that one's actions hold more weight than their past. Your past may shape you, but it is your present deeds that truly define you. Having witnessed everything you have done for Jinzhou, I cannot help but notice the mysterious connections between them... Perhaps there is something deeper behind your arrival in Jinzhou.
Thoughts: V
Walking alone may lead to a faster pace, but a group can cover greater distances. <br/>Moving forward, I will stand by my companions… and I will stand by you as we face whatever the future holds, together.
Jinhsi's Hobby
Have you been to the Jinzhou Theater? It's a place of endless joy and laughter, especially when a show concludes on a happy note. I've always cherished that sight, which is why I want to ensure everyone finds their own happy ending.
Jinhsi's Trouble
Hmm... When faced with challenges, I am driven by a sense of purpose to find solutions instead of succumbing to worry. The feeling of worry or frustration rarely crosses my mind nowadays.
Favorite Food
If you haven't yet, I highly recommend visiting Jinzhou's morning market. The breakfast stall vendor sells the most delicious Loong Buns topped with plump red dates. As they steam, their sweet aroma envelops the air. They are truly a delight.
Disliked Food
Jinzhou once suffered from severe food shortages because of the Lament crisis. As someone who lived through that difficult time, I've learned to understand that food is not something to be taken lightly. Every morsel is a gift from Mother Nature as are those who work tirelessly to cultivate it... Personally, I have no dislikes when it comes to food, except for wasteful extravagance or exorbitant prices.
Ideals
People prayed to the Sentinel not out of weakness, but because they had no other recourse. As leader, I will guide my people towards a future where humanity takes control of our own destiny.