Chapter 110: The Two Faces of Regional Military Commissioner Tang

Wang Zhe, having been interrupted, looked somewhat displeased: "Why has he come? What does he want?" Whenever he mentioned Tang Cheng'an, that man who had disgusted him for years, he always wore an expression as if he had swallowed a fly.

Wang Zhe's face changed, his brows knitted tightly, filled with disgust, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned downward.

The Yamen Runner bowed and said, "My lord the Regional Military Commissioner did not say." He respectfully reported, his expression calm, unaware of Wang Zhe's displeasure.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but smile: "The visitor brings no good; my lord the Inspector should be cautious."

He spoke mockingly, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes, and a cunning curve rising at the corner of his mouth.

Wang Zhe spoke coldly: "A mere Regional Military Commissioner? Does this official fear him? Tell him to come in."

He snorted, waving his hand with careless disregard, the movement somewhat rough, his tone full of contempt.

Since the day Wang Zhe warned him, Tang Cheng'an had been relatively well-behaved during this period.

Knowing full well that Wang Zhe was watching him, he could only temporarily restrain himself, yet deep down he felt a hidden unwillingness, constantly speculating on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's whereabouts.

But just yesterday, he, who did not know what to do, suddenly received a letter from Prince Qi ordering him to eliminate Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

This made Tang Cheng'an, who had long hated Jiang Jiang Mingyu to the bone, overjoyed; the time for revenge had finally arrived. When he received the letter, his eyes shone with light, and his crimson lips twisted into a grimace.

What made him even happier was that Jiang Jiang Mingyu had actually come to the Regional Military Commissioner's office of Tu Tu Kesiluo on his own initiative today.

Seizing this rare opportunity, Tang Cheng'an naturally would not miss it; after a simple preparation, he came to the Inspector's residence, his heart excited and unbearable, his steps light, his eyes filled with agitation.

Looking at the Tang Cheng'an before him, Wang Zhe's face was cold: "Regional Military Commissioner Tang, what is the matter?" His brows were tightly furrowed, his tone unfriendly, full of vigilance and disgust. His chiseled face held no smile, his eyes like ice.

Tang Cheng'an forced a smile, speaking dryly: "This official has specifically come to pay respects to my lord the Inspector." His smile was stiff, more like a sneer. His thin lips were barely pulled up, yet his eyes held no warmth.

Wang Zhe did not even believe the punctuation marks in his speech: "Regional Military Commissioner Tang, you are thoughtful; this official is truly honored beyond expectation." He raised his eyebrows in mockery, refusing to buy it. His tone was full of ridicule, seeing through Tang Cheng'an's hypocrisy.

Tang Cheng'an, however, pretended not to hear, turned his head, and said with feigned surprise: "Is my lord Jiang here too?" He put on an expression of unexpectedness, yet a glint of cunning flashed in his eyes. He raised his eyebrows, pretending to be astonished.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not expose him either: "We merely suppressed a few bandits; to have disturbed my lord Tang is something for which this official feels ashamed." He responded modestly, secretly pondering Tang Cheng'an's intentions. He nodded slightly, his face humble, yet his mind heightened its vigilance.

Who would have thought that Tang Cheng'an, who had been so proper just a second ago, suddenly changed his face without warning: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, do you know your crime?" His face was gloomy, his tone chilling, his eyes like knives. The previous politeness vanished instantly, replaced by an aggressive aura.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was stunned at that moment: "My lord Tang, what does this mean?" He widened his eyes in surprise, shocked by Tang Cheng'an's reversed attitude. He was clearly caught off guard, his face showing only confusion.

Tang Cheng'an sneered: "Unauthorized mobilization of troops, and you still dare to ask this official what it means?" He pressed forward step by step, accusing Jiang Jiang Mingyu of his crimes. A pair of cold eyes stared at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, radiating a dangerous aura.

"Without an order from the Ministry of War, you dare to mobilize troops on your own; do you not know that this is a crime punishable by beheading?" Tang Cheng'an was aggressive, his tone arrogant and unrefutable. He lifted his chin, adopting a domineering tone.

"It is laughable that before this official, you not only do not repent but are instead proud; truly, your crime is unforgivable." Tang Cheng'an pressed forward step by step, his tone arrogant. He held his head high, looking down on Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his eyes full of contempt.

"If you are sensible, explain the circumstances immediately; otherwise, this official will have you arrested and subject you to severe punishment." He spoke without hesitation, aggressive. He thrust out his chest and puffed out his belly, adopting a posture of not sparing Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu no longer gave him a good face either: "Explain what circumstances?" He retorted, his tone unfriendly, his eyes sharp. His hands were clenched into fists, making no retreat.

Tang Cheng'an rolled his eyes: "Naturally, it is about the mobilization of troops; do you think this official is talking to you about something else?" He said impatiently, letting out a sneer. His white eyes were rolled out, full of disdain.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered: "Mobilizing the army was to suppress bandits; this official does not feel he did anything wrong." He spoke with righteous indignation, making no retreat. His words were sharp, a fierce counterattack.

"Regional Military Commissioner Tang, without asking the color or the white, you launch a barrage of accusations upon meeting; this is somewhat unreasonable, is it not?" He refuted, his tone sarcastic. He looked at Tang Cheng'an provocatively, showing no weakness.

Wang Zhe, standing aside, also let out a heavy snort of great dissatisfaction, his annoyance in his eyes overflowing.

He glared angrily at Tang Cheng'an, as if wanting to cut him into a thousand pieces.

Wang Zhe crossed his arms, his whole body radiating anger.

But Tang Cheng'an seemed not to see it: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, do not try to deceive with smooth words." He remained unmoved, continuing to press, determined to find fault with Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

"This official does not care why the troops were sent out; I only ask if you mobilized the army without the permission of the Ministry of War?" His tone was hard, allowing no explanation, his attitude dominant, allowing no resistance.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu had no intention of evading: "That is correct; this official did indeed mobilize the army; so what?" He responded seriously, his eyes firm, his back straight, making no evasion.

Tang Cheng'an's expression was sinister: "So what? You say, so what?" He asked back in a sarcastic tone, his eyes revealing ill intent, a cold smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, his whole person radiating a dangerous aura.

"As a high official of the court, you are so blind to the law; why do you not kneel and confess?" Tang Cheng'an demanded, his eyes revealing sharpness.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu snorted: "Suppressing bandits has become a crime; this is truly interesting. Very well, this official will simply confess today." He retorted, showing no weakness.

"What do you intend to do? Throw me into a great prison, or send this official to the Ministry of War for deliberation?" He retorted to Tang Cheng, his tone cold, his eyes sharp.

"You had better send this official to Jingcheng; this official would then have the chance to ask Your Majesty face-to-face whether suppressing bandits is truly a crime or not." Jiang Jiang Mingyu countered aggressively, turning the situation around.

Tang Cheng'an's face twitched: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, you truly have a silver tongue. This official asks you, how many troops did you mobilize?" He was eager to change the subject.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not evade either: "Two thousand people; what about it?" He answered seriously, making no retreat.

Tang Cheng'an frowned: "How many bandits did you kill?" He continued to press.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu calculated: "About seven or eight hundred, roughly." He thought for a moment and told the truth.

Tang Cheng'an flew into a rage again: "A mere seven or eight hundred bandits, and you mobilized two thousand people; this official sees that you must have ulterior motives." He deliberately distorted the facts, slandering Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, striving to remain calm. Tang Cheng'an's intention was obvious; he must handle this carefully and not fall into the trap.

And Tu Tu Kesiluo, who had been silent all along, felt endless anger rise on his effeminate face. Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly gave him a look to stop him, and Tu Tu Kesiluo barely managed to hold back his words.

Tang Cheng'an snorted coldly: "This official is not you, nor does he have your hidden, unseeable thoughts." His tone was arrogant, adopting a superior posture.

"Jiang Jiang Mingyu, do not talk nonsense; speak! For a mere seven or eight hundred bandits, why did you mobilize two thousand people?" He pursued the question, aggressive.

"If you speak the truth today, it is one thing; if you cannot produce a reason, do not think that even I will spare you, let alone Your Majesty." Tang Cheng'an threatened, his eyes fierce.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, did not care, chuckling: "I wonder, in the view of my lord the Regional Military Commissioner, how many people should this official bring to suppress bandits to be appropriate? Three, or five?" He asked back, his tone sarcastic.

"Forgive this official for speaking plainly; this official went to suppress bandits, not to commit suicide." Jiang Jiang Mingyu, fearless, continued to confront Tang Cheng'an.

Tang Cheng'an's face grew even uglier: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, unauthorized mobilization of the army is already an unpardonable crime; you also speak disrespectfully to this official; your crime is compounded." He was furious, grinding his teeth.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, adopted the posture of one offering his neck for slaughter: "Very well, my lord the Regional Military Commissioner, let us go then." He said calmly, paying no attention to Tang Cheng'an's pressure.

He then turned to Wang Zhe, whose face was dark, and said: "By the way, my lord the Inspector, after this official leaves, the affairs of Shangmu will inevitably be left unattended." He implied something, and Wang Zhe immediately caught the hint.

"This vacancy is probably not one that can be filled for a while; my lord the Regional Military Commissioner is upright and possesses extraordinary ability; please let him temporarily assume this post." Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly, intensifying the conflict between Tang Cheng'an and Wang Zhe.

Wang Zhe also immediately understood: "Good; my lord Jiang speaks with reason." He nodded in agreement, his tone very firm.

"Regional Military Commissioner Tang, from now on, the affairs of Shangmu are entrusted to you for full disposal." Wang Zhe immediately made the decision, handing over the full power of Shangmu to Tang Cheng'an. He announced it as a matter of course, adopting a grandiose manner.

"Judging by the time, I am afraid the people of Other Xi Xia will arrive in a few days; at that time, we will have to rely heavily on you." He put on a smiling face, yet he was pushing Tang Cheng'an into a trap. Wang Zhe narrowed his eyes, his smile full of cunning.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu paid no attention to how ugly Tang Cheng'an's face was: "My lord the Regional Military Commissioner, this official has a word to remind you." He spoke with feigned concern, yet his tone held not a shred of actual care.

"So that you do not end up with the same fate as this official, when the people of Other Xi Xia arrive, do not act rashly." He reminded Tang Cheng'an to pay attention to the Ministry of War order. Jiang Jiang Mingyu blinked, offering the advice with a serious face.

"Without a direct order from the Ministry of War, deploying troops on your own authority means losing your head." Jiang Jiang Mingyu deliberately mimicked Tang Cheng's tone, his heart filled with extreme delight. His imitation was so lifelike it seemed as if he were cast from the very same mold.

Tang Cheng's face turned ugly: "If I don't deploy troops, how do you expect this official to face the enemy?" He was furious yet had no countermeasure. His complexion shifted back and forth, turning green then purple.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: "Why not negotiate with the Western Xia people and ask them to wait until you obtain the Ministry of War's order before attacking the city? Isn't that settled?" He mocked, his eyes full of ridicule. His tone was contemptuous, and Tang Cheng's embarrassment was clearly visible.

"Enough, Commissioner Tang Sima, time is late. Hurry and send this official to the Three Judicial Offices to be punished; I can't wait." Jiang Jiang Mingyu urged, knowing Tang Cheng had fallen into difficulty while he himself had gained the upper hand. He clapped his hands, looking as if he were simply waiting for imprisonment.

Tang Cheng's face changed repeatedly, yet he could not utter a single word. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Wang Zhe's relentless attack had cornered him. He was at a loss, his face filled with ferocity and humiliation.

Wang Zhe barely restrained his laughter: "Yes, Commissioner Tang Sima, let us depart now." He urged, his eyes full of mockery.

"It is already late; there are still many matters at Shang Mu waiting for you to handle." Wang Zhe deliberately reminded Tang Cheng of Shang Mu's peril, seemingly to mask his laughter.

The corners of Tang Cheng's mouth twitched violently. Thinking of Shang Mu's danger, his face grew even uglier, and the corners of his mouth could not help but twitch.

Facing the mocking gazes of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Wang Zhe, he spoke dryly: "Inspector, please calm your anger." His voice trembled, and his expression was awkward.

"What this official said just now was merely a joke with Lord Jiang, yes, a joke." Tang Cheng feigned ease, forcing a few laughs.

"How could this official truly trouble such a rare and good official? Inspector, you are overthinking it." He turned to Wang Zhe again, emphasizing he held no ill will.

Then, he said to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Lord Jiang, this official just told a joke; please do not take it to heart." Tang Cheng smiled awkwardly, his tone softening.

"We are all serving the court; if this matter blows up, I am afraid Prince Qi will not be very pleased either." His tone carried a hint of threat, reminding Jiang Jiang Mingyu of Prince Qi's power.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu snorted coldly: "Commissioner Tang Sima, you are overthinking it." He did not buy Tang Cheng's act at all, his tone icy.

Just as Tang Cheng thought he had decided to let the matter drop, Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke again: "Unauthorized troop deployment, this official knows his guilt is deep." His tone had not softened in the slightest.

"Prince Qi being displeased is also reasonable; since it is a dead end anyway, adding more charges makes little difference." Jiang Jiang Mingyu treated it calmly, caring nothing.

"You should hurry and send this official to the Three Judicial Offices; the Inspector also said there are many matters at Shang Mu waiting for you." He urged, his eyes revealing determination.

Tang Cheng's expression instantly froze; the stiff smile on his face grew even uglier. He swallowed, struggling to say something.

"Lord Jiang, this official already said it was just a joke with you." He explained weakly, his voice dry and rough.

"Look, why do you take it seriously again? As the lord of a county, to be so petty is not good." Tang Cheng feigned ease, yet his tone was extremely awkward.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's smile grew colder: "Commissioner Tang Sima, those words are truly spoken lightly." He retorted sharply.

"You are the Commissioner Tang Sima of the Asimo Regional Military Commissioner, a border official, yet you joke with this official's life and death; you are truly humorous." Jiang Jiang Mingyu showed no mercy.

Tang Cheng's face turned ugly; his mouth opened but his tongue stuck, and he did not know how to respond. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's counterattack was sharp and keen, having already cornered him.

"However, this official wishes to ask: within this Inspector's residence, speaking such nonsense, where does that leave the Inspector?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu pointed out Tang Cheng's slip of the tongue.

"This official warns you: if such a thing happens again, this official will have no choice but to submit a memorial to the capital and request Your Majesty to uphold justice." His tone was serious, implicitly warning Tang Cheng.

Tang Cheng's face turned deathly pale; he nodded repeatedly: "Lord Jiang is right; this official will certainly pay attention in the future." He was as grief-stricken as if mourning his parents, with not a shred of arrogance remaining.

Wang Zhe, however, did not want to let him off: "Commissioner Tang Sima, today's matter, I am afraid cannot be resolved by merely saying 'pay attention in the future'." He sneered, pressing his advantage.

Tang Cheng was nearly crying; he bent his back and clasped his hands: "That was merely an unintentional remark; please forgive this official, Inspector." He wept and spoke, his eyes full of pleading.

Wang Zhe did not care whether it was intentional or unintentional: "From today on, you shall return home and close your door to reflect." He commanded, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"If you cannot figure it out, the Asimo Regional Military Commissioner will simply have to replace the Commissioner Tang Sima." Wang Zhe added, his tone full of threat.

Tang Cheng knelt on the ground, his face ashen, with no power to retort. Wang Zhe's words had completely cast him into the cold palace; his official career could be said to be over.

Tang Cheng did not have the courage to retort: "Yes, Lord, your reprimand is correct; this official will return now to reflect. I take my leave." He crawled on the ground like a homeless dog, his tone extremely humble.

Speaking thus, he left the Inspector's residence almost as if fleeing for his life, without looking back. He hunched his back and jogged away, fearing Wang Zhe might change his mind.

He pondered secretly: "That damn Jiang Jiang Mingyu, when did he become one of Your Majesty's people?" Tang Cheng ground his teeth, wishing to tear Jiang Jiang Mingyu into a thousand pieces.

"Trying to easily kill Jiang Jiang Mingyu is no longer possible." He clenched his fists in frustration, finding it hard to believe the turn of events.

"No, I must report this matter to Prince Qi as soon as possible and request him to intervene; that is the best strategy." A glimmer of hope flashed in Tang Cheng's eyes; he quickened his pace, preparing to meet Prince Qi.

Wang Zhe spoke coldly: "Arrogant at first and humble later, spewing filth with your mouth—what kind of thing are you?" He said contemptuously, his eyes full of disdain.

Tu Tu Kesiluo's face also showed a very gratified expression. He sneered while watching Tang Cheng leave, his heart filled with the pleasure of revenge.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu changed the topic again: "Inspector, this official has one more request." He spoke respectfully, his eyes revealing a gleam of expectation.

Wang Zhe was in high spirits: "Lord Jiang, we are all one side; speak directly, no need for courtesy." He said with a smile, looking utterly charming.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not stand on ceremony: "This official wishes to ask Lord, is there a market for iron ore?" He cut straight to the point, without beating around the bush.

Wang Zhe immediately became interested; a huge business opportunity lay before him. He immediately started lying: "This official does not yet have a suitable channel, but do not worry; this official can help inquire."

"Within the city of the Asimo Regional Military Commissioner, there are many merchants specializing in selling iron; it should not take long, and there will be news." Wang Zhe assured, looking completely confident.

He rubbed his thumb vigorously against his index and middle fingers, looking like a fortune teller. Jiang Jiang Mingyu naturally understood his meaning and nodded lightly to indicate he knew.

"Inspector, rest assured; once you facilitate this matter, this official will certainly offer a tribute." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said readily, indicating he would reward Wang Zhe.

Wang Zhe's appetite was far from satisfied: "Lord Jiang, this iron ore is, after all, within the territory of the Asimo Regional Military Commissioner." He switched to a serious tone.

"As the Inspector of the Asimo Regional Military Commissioner, this official counts as the owner of the iron ore; look, this business must surely include a share for this official, right?" His tone left no room for doubt.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu showed nothing on his face, but inwardly cried out in alarm. Wang Zhe wanted a share of the spoils; he had to agree to gain his help.

"Inspector, you are right; how could this business not include a share for you?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly flattered, showing twelve points of submission.

"Since Lord has said so, let us split the profits fifty-fifty." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said readily, agreeing to a fifty-fifty division of profits.

"This official will be responsible for mining and smelting iron; Lord, you will be responsible for finding a market. If we can open a few more shops within the Asimo Regional Military Commissioner, that would be even better." He proposed the division of responsibilities for both parties.

How could Wang Zhe have any reason to refuse: "Good, this matter is left to this official to arrange." He agreed wholeheartedly.

"Iron ore is not simple; it can not only forge weapons, but in daily life, everyone cannot do without it; we are going to get rich." Wang Zhe's eyes shone, his face full of greed.

Seeing him agree so readily, Jiang Jiang Mingyu also temporarily lowered his guard. After the two made their agreement, Jiang Jiang Mingyu took his leave.

Stepping out of the main gate of the Inspector's residence, Tu Tu Kesiluo sighed with relief: "Excellent, Wang Zhe is already one of us; we can finally breathe a sigh of relief." He said happily.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, did not see it that way: "It is better not to be too happy too soon." His face was serious, his tone low.

Tu Tu Kesiluo did not understand: "What do you mean?" He looked at Jiang Jiang Mingyu suspiciously.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu explained: "Do you think why the Inspector would take sides so quickly? In one word, I am afraid Prince Qi's power now is far more complex than what we see. If not, Prince Qi is merely a prince; how could he have the capital to oppose the Emperor?"

"What this official fears is that one day Prince Qi will rebel; when the nest is overturned, how can there be a whole egg? Not only will the Emperor be unable to be saved, but we too will be doomed." Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face was solemn, his tone heavy.

Tu Tu Kesiluo also realized the severity of the problem: "Lord, then what shall we do?" He frowned tightly, full of worry.