Chapter 77: Attending the Banquet

How interesting—it seems this City Lord can't wait to get himself killed.

Brother, what are you saying?

Jiang Xiaoyu asked curiously.

Jiang Xiaomu rubbed his sister's head and said gently:

Nothing much, just thinking about something.

Xiao Yu, go play outside for a while; I still have some matters to attend to.

Jiang Xiaoyu obediently nodded, then hopped out of the tent.

After Jiang Xiaoyu left, Jiang Xiaomu's gaze instantly turned sharp.

Xiong Kuohai!

Sir, what is it?

After Jiang Xiaomu put his arm around Xiong Kuohai's shoulders and whispered a few orders, Xiong Kuohai obeyed and withdrew.

The next evening, the Yun Cheng City Lord's mansion was decorated with lanterns and banners, bustling with activity.

Jiang Xiaomu entered the City Lord's mansion with a sword at his waist, striding like a dragon and tiger, followed by Xiong Kuohai and the other personal guards.

Upon seeing Jiang Xiaomu, Yunjinnian broke into a beaming smile, hurried forward, and greeted him warmly with clasped hands:

General Jiang's arrival truly brightens our humble abode!

As City Lord, I have prepared a modest feast to welcome you and wash away your dust.

Jiang Xiaomu smiled slightly, returned the salute with clasped hands:

City Lord, you flatter me; I am merely doing my modest part and do not deserve such generous hospitality.

After exchanging pleasantries, they entered the banquet hall under Yunjinnian's guidance.

After three rounds of drinks, Yunjinnian raised his cup, smiling broadly:

General Jiang truly is a youthful hero, having routed the enemy forces this time.

For your meritorious service to Yun Cheng, I, the City Lord, toast you!

Jiang Xiaomu also raised his cup, clinked it with Yunjinnian's, drained it in one gulp, and curled his lips in a cold smile.

This cup contains poison, but he had already taken an antidote beforehand; such a petty trick is nothing to him.

Seeing Jiang Xiaomu's boldness, Yunjinnian secretly gloated, believing his scheme would soon succeed.

He continued to toast Jiang Xiaomu, pouring out endless flattery, as if Jiang Xiaomu were the person he most revered.

Jiang Xiaomu also played along, acting surprised and honored.

From time to time they toasted each other, back and forth, making the scene quite lively.

General Jiang, so young and talented, will surely become a great figure!

Yunjinnian, somewhat drunk, said:

Why not stay in Yun Cheng? As City Lord, I will surely employ you greatly, guaranteeing you endless wealth and honor!

Jiang Xiaomu sneered inwardly, kept his expression neutral, and spoke humbly:

City Lord, you overpraise me; I am merely a mere warrior.

All I wish is to protect the realm and its people; I dare not hope for riches and glory.

General Jiang is truly modest! Yunjinnian laughed heartily.

However, General, after days of campaigning, you must be weary.

Why not rest a few more days in Yun Cheng, then return once you've fully recovered?

Jiang Xiaomu's heart stirred; he realized Yunjinnian was stalling to give himself a chance to carry out his poisonous plot.

His eyes shifted, a plan formed, and he said:

City Lord, your kindness is hard to refuse; I ought not to decline, but—

He paused deliberately, putting on a troubled look.

But what?

Yunjinnian hurriedly asked.

Jiang Xiaomu sighed and said:

It's merely that my troops' provisions and rewards have not yet been issued, while my brothers follow me through life and death.

If I return empty-handed, I fear I cannot answer to my brothers.

He deliberately brought up the previously agreed-upon eighty percent of tax revenue as remuneration and provisions, wanting to see Yunjinnian's reaction.

Yunjinnian's face twitched slightly, his eyes flickered, and he feigned ignorance:

Provisions? Rewards?

What is General Jiang talking about? I, the City Lord, don't understand at all.

Jiang Xiaomu sneered inwardly; as expected, Yunjinnian is trying to renege on his debt!

He didn't expose it, merely saying lightly:

City Lord, important people forget things; I can understand.

However, this concerns the lives of thousands of soldiers; I hope the City Lord will fulfill his promise soon.

Yunjinnian's expression grew uglier; he hadn't expected Jiang Xiaomu to be so blunt, leaving him no way to save face.

He then continued:

General Jiang, this matter is of great importance; the City Lord needs to consult with the ministers.

Only then can a decision be made; how about this: you, General, go rest first.

Once the City Lord has a result, we'll notify you; how does that sound?

Jiang Xiaomu idly stirred his wine cup, taking in every subtle change of expression on Yunjinnian's face.

What nonsense are you talking, City Lord? I'm just a rough soldier; I don't know anything about wealth and glory.

But my brothers follow me, enduring wind and dew, licking blood from the blade; without some real benefits, they'd be hard to convince.

He deliberately stressed the word 'benefits' heavily, his tone threatening.

Yunjinnian gave a dry laugh, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

Well... the state treasury is empty, General Jiang knows that; nowadays times are tough...

He tried to use the self-injury ploy to win Jiang Xiaomu's sympathy, hoping he would voluntarily give up this money.

Jiang Xiaomu snorted inwardly; this old fox won't act unless he sees a rabbit.

He didn't expose it, just sighed and said:

City Lord, I know you're in a bind, but military provisions cannot be delayed.

How about this: tomorrow I'll lead my troops out of Yun Cheng, giving you some time to raise the military funds.

Upon hearing this, Yunjinnian's face changed dramatically; Jiang Xiaomu was about to get tough.

If he really leads his troops away, wouldn't my Yun Cheng become ownerless again, open to seizure by any other force?

General Jiang, don't rush, don't rush!

Yunjinnian hurriedly said:

This matter... let me, the City Lord, think it over, think it over...

Jiang Xiaomu didn't urge him either, just sipped his wine leisurely, a half-smile playing on his lips.

At that moment, a commotion came from outside the hall, and a subordinate entered.

He walked straight up to Jiang Xiaomu and whispered a few words in his ear.

Jiang Xiaomu listened, nodded without changing expression, then said to Yunjinnian:

City Lord, I suddenly remembered I have another important matter to attend to, so I'll take my leave.

Yunjinnian, his mind in turmoil, couldn't bother to detain Jiang Xiaomu, and could only reply with a forced smile:

General, please go ahead, please go ahead.

Jiang Xiaomu rose, taking Xiong Kuohai with him, and left the banquet hall.

Once out of the hall, his face instantly darkened.

Is the matter settled?

Xiong Kuohai grinned.

General, rest assured, I've already followed your orders and taken control of the city's granaries and storehouses.

Now we just wait for the City Lord to obediently hand over the money and grain.

Jiang Xiaomu curled the corner of his mouth in a cold smile.

This old fox wants to renege on his debt; then let him taste my methods.

The two walked side by side, passing down the long corridor to a secluded courtyard.

"General, everyone is assembled." A soldier stepped forward to report.

Jiang Xiaomu nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said in a deep voice:

"Tonight, we'll give the Lord of Yun Cheng a 'surprise'."