Chapter 112: Sudden Turn of Events

After completing the secret discussion with Tang Cheng, Huang Chaoran strode home, pushed open the door, and immediately ordered someone to summon Che Hongda.

Since his previous attempt to ambush Jiang Mingyu had failed, Che Hongda had been hiding in a secret room within Huang Chaoran’s residence, waiting for the next opportunity to strike.

Huang Chaoran frowned, his expression grave, and briefly outlined the plan to him, then fixed his gaze and asked, “Understood?”

Che Hongda straightened his chest without hesitation and answered confidently, “Master, rest assured—I’ll make this happen perfectly.” His tone brimmed with assurance, fists clenched, eyes gleaming with eagerness.

But Huang Chaoran seemed unconvinced by this display; he stepped forward, frowned, and leaned close, his voice sharp: “Jiang Mingyu is cunning—you must be extremely careful!”

Che Hongda waved dismissively: “If that damned rat hadn’t shown up last time, Jiang Mingyu would already be a cold corpse.”

“Rest easy, Master—I know my own methods well,” Che Hongda declared firmly, slapping his chest, his eyes glinting with malice.

In the past, Che Hongda had been infamous in Yasmudu for his decisive and ruthless actions; Huang Chaoran had saved him precisely because he valued those skills.

Che Hongda bowed respectfully to Huang Chaoran, then strode out without delay.

Watching his retreating figure, Huang Chaoran’s worried expression slowly softened into a hidden smile, a sense of vindication rising in his heart as his long-sought revenge neared.

As Jiang Mingyu and Tuke Sulu entered Shangmu City, they saw Zhu Ge Yu standing at the city gate, his face twisted with pain and exhaustion. He was leading a group of dejected men returning from Xiezi Gou with iron ore.

Jiang Mingyu hurried forward, his tone concerned: “Why are you back so soon?”

Zhu Ge Yu’s face was reddened by wind and snow, etched with frostbitten marks. He panted heavily, white vapor puffing from his crimson nose, his little beard crusted with tiny ice shards that glittered in the sunlight.

“Isn’t it because you’re pushing us too hard?” Zhu Ge Yu coughed violently, shoulders slumped, answering in agony. His voice had grown hoarse from the coughing.

“I led the men out before dawn and back after dusk just to get your damn iron ore back on time.” Zhu Ge Yu grumbled, slapping his frozen hands and feet in a desperate attempt to warm them.

“Do you know how last night was? Spit froze mid-air—I nearly died on the road!” At the memory, Zhu Ge Yu shivered with cold dread, his face etched with terror.

From his tone, it was clear he deeply resented Jiang Mingyu’s young master’s orders; such rushed travel was unbearable for Zhu Ge Yu, accustomed to comfort and ease.

Jiang Mingyu listened to Zhu Ge Yu’s complaints and chuckled warmly: “Alright, alright, stop griping—I know you’ve all worked hard.” He clapped Zhu Ge Yu’s shoulder warmly.

Jiang Mingyu turned, his gaze fixed on Tuke Sulu, and gave a solemn order: “Remember—every one of these men must receive generous rewards.” Tuke Sulu bowed humbly, nodding one by one.

Zhu Ge Yu pouted, scratching his head awkwardly: “I don’t care about big rewards.” His eyes darted away, avoiding Jiang Mingyu’s gaze.

Jiang Mingyu smiled knowingly, cheerfully: “Then I’ll prepare extra military supplies for you—enough to last you through the New Year back in Yasmudu.” He clapped Zhu Ge Yu’s shoulder again, his tone affectionate.

“Now are you satisfied, my most hardworking brother Zhu Ge?” Jiang Mingyu teased, his grin bright.

Zhu Ge Yu put on a righteous face, grinning shamelessly: “Master, you’re being too formal—we’ve always been the closest of friends.”

“Honestly, I’ve long realized that fame and glory are just external things. I do this only for the joy of helping others,” Zhu Ge Yu declared earnestly, utterly convinced.

Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes at his self-righteous rambling and said bluntly: “Fine, fine, go ahead if you want—I won’t stop you.”

Zhu Ge Yu muttered, sounding wounded: “I was just being polite—why did you take it seriously?”

Jiang Mingyu’s face showed no pretense; he raised his whip, stood straight, and gave a firm order: “First, take this batch of ore to the City Defense Camp for storage.”

“Go notify Brother Murong’s blacksmiths—they must begin preparations immediately,” Jiang Mingyu commanded, eyes fixed ahead, voice resolute.

“On the way here, I thought of some new ideas—I’ll test them out later and see how they work.” As he spoke, a spark of passion flashed in his eyes, and a small smile curved his lips.

Zhu Ge Yu perked up instantly, eager to ask: “Master, what new ideas?” His voice brimmed with curiosity.

Jiang Mingyu swiftly swung his whip and cracked it hard against Zhu Ge Yu’s rear: “You’ll find out later!”

Zhu Ge Yu, caught off guard, grimaced in pain and nearly tumbled off his horse. Tuke Sulu couldn’t help smirking inwardly.

Tuke Sulu remarked: “This Master Zhu Ge is quite something—brilliantly cunning in battle, but the moment it’s over, all his sharpness vanishes.” His tone dripped with sarcasm.

Seeing Jiang Mingyu nod in agreement, Tuke Sulu pressed: “My lord, have you thought of a clever plan?”

Jiang Mingyu’s gaze was steady: “You’re right—Zhu Ge Yu has real talent. I intend to keep him close.”

Jiang Mingyu shook his head, candidly: “As for warfare, I’m not even a novice—you all are the same, don’t deny it.” He shrugged, looking embarrassed.

“If we keep Zhu Ge Yu as our military advisor, and equip fifty thousand new troops, we won’t have to fear the Western Xia at all.” Jiang Mingyu narrowed his eyes, a sly smile curling his lips.

But Tuke Sulu remained unconvinced; he raised his eyebrows, skeptical: “War isn’t a game—why should Master Zhu Ge risk his life with us ordinary folk?”

Jiang Mingyu, however, patted his chest with confidence: “Don’t worry—I have a way to make him stay.”

“Enough. It’s getting late—let’s head back,” Jiang Mingyu said, clapping Tuke Sulu’s shoulder, ready to pull the reins.

But Tuke Sulu stayed rooted: “If there’s nothing urgent, I’d like to check on the City Defense Camp. I’m worried about how Dog Egg has trained those soldiers these past few days.” His brow furrowed with concern.

Jiang Mingyu laughed happily: “Go ahead—those soldiers might even be waiting for you, Lord Yama.”

Tuke Sulu scowled, muttered something under his breath, and stormed off in irritation.

Back at the county office, Jiang Mingyu, still dusted with snow, snatched up the brush on the desk.

About half an hour later, a rough sketch covered with strange shapes was complete.

Jiang Mingyu gently blew on the still-wet ink, a look of triumph on his face: “Finally done.”

“With this, even the famed fearless Western Xia cavalry will have a hard time.”

But his smile had barely spread across his face when urgent footsteps and shouting erupted outside.

Outside, the voices of Li Dog Egg and Tuke Sulu clashed in argument.

“What are you doing? Let go of me!” Li Dog Egg’s voice boomed, agitated.

Tuke Sulu roared: “What am I doing? You dare ask what I’m doing?”

“You’ve had command of the City Defense Camp for only two days—and you’ve done this?” Tuke Sulu’s voice brimmed with fury, his eyes blazing red.

“If not for the Master, I’d have run you through with my sword long ago!” Tuke Sulu shouted, dragging Li Dog Egg toward Jiang Mingyu.

“Rumors are spreading through the camp—everyone is waiting for your explanation. What will you say to the Master?” Tuke Sulu’s expression was stern, his steps sharp.

Li Dog Egg hung his head, his face filled with regret and fear.

Tuke Sulu shoved him down before Jiang Mingyu and said coldly: “My lord, your judgment on how to deal with him.”