Chapter 114: Learn from the Past, Prevent Future Mistakes

Li Goudan trembled as he whispered, "Thank you, Master Zhuge, for your kindness, but I know my crime deserves punishment. My disgrace has tarnished your honor and the entire army’s reputation. I deserve to die a thousand deaths—even if you execute me on the spot, I will not complain."

He suddenly raised his voice: "Brothers who suffered, where are you? Listen to me: I, Li Goudan, am no man—I dishonored our soldiers and deserve to be pierced by ten thousand arrows! Forgive my sin!"

After saying this, he bowed three hard knocks to the ground, then looked up at Jiang Mingyu: "My lord, please carry out the punishment."

After speaking, Li Goudan lay down on the punishment device, resigned to death.

Jiang Mingyu sneered: "Since you admit your guilt, you must be punished."

"Begin the punishment!" Jiang Mingyu’s voice was cold and merciless.

As the water-and-fire cudgel came down hard, Li Goudan’s agonized screams echoed across the parade ground.

Jiang Mingyu stood expressionless on the high platform, watching below; the soldiers’ murmurs gradually faded. CRASH! Another blow landed—Li Goudan was in unbearable pain, yet Jiang Mingyu showed no mercy. He must punish severely to uphold military law and make these men remember! His face remained blank, but his eyes calculated silently.

Zhuge Yu’s intervention was within his expectations; now he could use this opportunity to demonstrate benevolence and stabilize troop morale.

CRASH! The water-and-fire cudgel struck Li Goudan again—this blow was especially heavy, leaving him nearly unconscious.

Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly; perhaps he had gone too far.

He couldn’t let the man die—that would backfire.

As Li Goudan’s screams grew louder, signs of unrest appeared among the watching soldiers.

Jiang Mingyu clenched his fist tightly; the moment was nearly here.

Li Goudan was severely wounded, moans of pain spilling from his lips.

Zhuge Yu could no longer watch—he knelt again and pleaded for mercy.

Others nearby also begged Jiang Mingyu in low voices to spare Li Goudan.

But Jiang Mingyu’s face remained rigid, motionless as a cold stone statue.

He must enforce the law without leniency—no weakness on matters of military discipline.

Even if this man died because of it, he would not hesitate.

CRASH! The water-and-fire cudgel fell once more—Li Goudan was barely breathing.

Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, his face still expressionless.

He knew the moment had come—if he didn’t stop it now, it would backfire.

At that moment, a loud plea rang out: "My lord, please show mercy!" Jiang Mingyu’s brow twitched as he slowly turned his head.

The one kneeling and pleading was none other than Tuke Sulu.

Even he had stepped forward to beg for mercy.

Seeing Li Goudan in such agony, the surrounding officers and soldiers could no longer hold back—they knelt down and begged Jiang Mingyu to spare him.

Jiang Mingyu’s expression flickered slightly; he turned away, avoiding everyone’s gaze.

After a long while, he grunted softly and barked: "Stop!" The water-and-fire cudgel halted mid-air.

Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened with frustration and resentment.

He had softened.

The soldiers exchanged glances, some unable to believe their commander had finally shown mercy.

Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat and said sternly: "Li Goudan’s crime deserves death—but in light of your pleas, I will show leniency and suspend his punishment."

"Yet military law remains strict. When his wounds heal, he will still be imprisoned for reflection. This leniency is a reward for your loyalty."

Jiang Mingyu resumed his stern, composed demeanor, but the soldiers’ expressions had relaxed considerably. The tense atmosphere had finally eased.

Jiang Mingyu exhaled inwardly—he knew today’s crisis had passed.

But he must now guide the momentum, redirecting all morale toward the Western Xia...

Li Goudan was carried away for treatment; Jiang Mingyu stood motionless, his mind in chaos.

Those around him assumed he had finally pardoned Li Goudan.

But soon after, Jiang Mingyu issued an order: Li Goudan was to be confined for one month.

Everyone’s expressions changed—they realized their commander still intended to punish Li Goudan.

Jiang Mingyu knew they misunderstood him—but he had to do this.

After establishing authority, he must handle matters cautiously to avoid shaking troop morale. Jiang Mingyu spoke gravely: "Reducing Li Goudan’s punishment is meant to give you all a proper accounting. But military orders are as firm as mountains—those who break the law must be punished."

"One month of confinement may be excessive—I will reduce it to half a month. But there must be consequences to uphold discipline."

"Remember today’s lesson. We face a powerful enemy—we must stand united. Lawbreakers will not be tolerated!"

Jiang Mingyu delivered his speech with solemn weight; all listened silently, no one dared to argue.

Jiang Mingyu’s face dark, he stomped out of the parade ground.

Behind him, fifty thousand soldiers watched his departing back in silence—now with a touch of awe and distance in their eyes.

Jiang Mingyu gritted his teeth—he knew his image among them had changed.

But for Shangmu, for this fledgling town, he had no choice—he had to harden his heart.

He must punish Li Goudan severely to uphold military discipline—even if it meant being misunderstood and branded cruel.

Jiang Mingyu strode forward, his thoughts in turmoil.

Though today’s decision drew criticism, he had held the city and calmed troop morale.

That was what mattered most.

Yet his image among his subordinates was now irreparably damaged.

Jiang Mingyu sighed deeply, his heart heavy with mixed emotions.

Very well—building Shangmu, achieving great ambitions, has always been a thorny path. For the greater cause, sacrifice the small self.

Jiang Mingyu returned heavily to the county office, sank into his chair, and slumped back, exhausted.

Zhuge Yu silently brewed tea for him, waiting as he sorted through his tangled thoughts. Long moments passed; Jiang Mingyu exhaled slowly, closed his eyes. His mind replayed Li Goudan’s screams, the soldiers kneeling in plea, and his own cold, unyielding face.

He knew the brutality he showed Li Goudan today would leave a mark of fear in his men’s hearts—but for greater goals, he had no choice but to be ruthless.

Such days would be the thorns along his official path.

Jiang Mingyu sat for a while, reached for the tea on the desk, moistened his dry lips. "Thank you," he nodded to Zhuge Yu, his expression now calm.

Zhuge Yu opened his mouth, then closed it, saying nothing. Jiang Mingyu smiled knowingly: "Today’s matter—you may speak plainly."

Zhuge Yu hesitated, then said: "Master’s handling today was decisive—I cannot match it. But public sentiment is fickle—please be mindful in the future."

Jiang Mingyu fell silent—he understood Zhuge Yu’s counsel and saw the hidden dangers of his harsh stance today.

"Thank you for the warning. I have my own considerations."

A cold wind blew through; Jiang Mingyu shivered, gazing out the window—it was already dusk.

The storm of today had finally passed, but Jiang Mingyu knew greater tempests awaited him.

He recalled the scene months ago when he first set foot on this land.

Back then, he had been full of ambition, determined to write a new chapter in this weak frontier town.

But reality’s thorns and obstacles far exceeded his expectations.

The chaotic mess had sometimes left him flustered.

Jiang Mingyu gave a self-deprecating smile.

In just a few months, he had weathered too many storms—his experience had matured him.

Now he must set sail, push forward with full force.

Having chosen this path, he would walk it without regret, giving all he had.

Jiang Mingyu rose and walked to the window, gazing into the distance, his eyes gleaming with resolve.

Storms are coming—may this town stand firm. Thorns abound—may my heart remain vast.

The road ahead is long—I walk it with you.