Chapter 115: Visiting the Tigress

Shangmu County, the county yamen.

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expressionless face, Zhu Ge Yu spoke in a tone as bland as water: "Master, I am leaving."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "What, leaving so soon?"

Zhu Ge Yu sat down as well: "In half a month, it will be the New Year, and there is nothing left to do here in Shangmu."

"With Lord Lord Murong at the iron mine, I doubt any trouble will arise; I have accomplished my mission and am retiring."

"I must also take this opportunity to return and publish the new poems I have written; I cannot let my poetry fans wait too long."

Seeing him once again intent on returning to show off, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could only give a bitter smile: "In that case, you may return."

Zhu Ge Yu had nothing to pack; he lifted his leg to leave, but before he could step out the main gate, he turned back.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "What is it? Don't tell me you are reluctant to part with this official?"

Zhu Ge Yu rolled his eyes: "Do not flatter yourself; I am not Li Goudan."

"I just wanted to ask: will the people of Other Xi Xia invade the border as soon as spring begins?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded: "According to this official's estimate, when the second and third months arrive and food is scarce, the people of Other Xi Xia will certainly invade the border."

Hearing such a serious matter, Zhu Ge Yu could not suppress his laughter: "Excellent, just as I thought."

"After the New Year, I will return to wait in Shangmu; I intend to trade a few blows with these people of Other Xi Xia."

What most normal people would avoid at all costs appeared to him, a man with nowhere to display his ambitions, as a rare opportunity.

Saying this, regardless of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression, he strode out of the county yamen's main gate with long steps.

Zhu Ge Yu's words were undoubtedly a reassurance to Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

With Zhu Ge Yu's support, the possibility of protecting Shangmu undoubtedly increased several times over.

After Zhu Ge Yu departed, the empty county yamen fell silent once more.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, having nothing to do, looked down and only then realized the drawing he had made was still lying quietly on the table.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu slapped his forehead: "It was all that good-for-nothing Li Goudan's fault; I forgot something so important."

Thus, he did not delay, climbed back onto his horse, and hurried toward the city defense camp.

Looking at the oddly shaped drawing in his hand, Tu Tu Kesiluo immediately frowned: "My lord, what is this thing?"

He searched his memory thoroughly but still could not figure out what this thing, covered entirely in thorns, actually was.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: "This is something this official temporarily devised; it is named Iron Caltrop."

Iron Caltrop, a completely new term, made Tu Tu Kesiluo even more confused: "What is it used for?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu adopted an appearance of tireless instruction: "Strictly speaking, this Iron Caltrop should be considered a type of weapon."

Hearing the word weapon, Tu Tu Kesiluo became interested; he examined the drawing carefully: "A hidden weapon?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head: "The greatest function of this thing is to deal with the cavalry of the people of Other Xi Xia."

"You must have noticed long ago that no matter how it is thrown, one side's iron spikes always faces upward."

"Its sharpness is sufficient to pierce a horse's hoof; for charging cavalry, this is absolutely a calamity of drowning."

Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke with some admiration: "Excellent; with this thing, we will be sufficient to deal with the cavalry of the people of Other Xi Xia."

"Once their cavalry loses its effectiveness, relying on our numerical advantage, the battle situation will gradually tilt toward our side."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was not so optimistic: "Relying solely on these Iron Caltrops is far from enough."

"Once the vanguard of the people of Other Xi Xia clears a path, the cavalry behind them can still continue to advance."

After a brief moment of joy, Tu Tu Kesiluo also put away his smile: "What then shall we do?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke with solemn assurance: "Do not worry; these past few days, this official has been researching other weapons."

"When the time comes, with various troop types coordinating their attacks, we will surely annihilate the people of Other Xi Xia who invade Shangmu."

Speaking of this, he turned to Tu Tu Kesiluo and asked: "How is the matter I entrusted to you progressing?"

On the road returning from the prefectural city to Shangmu, he had instructed Tu Tu Kesiluo to divide his five hundred thousand troops into several different troop types.

Tu Tu Kesiluo gave a soft, somewhat effeminate smile: "Just now, this subordinate has already conducted a mobilization; it is basically nearly complete."

"Twenty thousand infantrymen, twenty thousand spear-wielding warriors, a contingent of scouts, and four thousand archers and crossbowmen."

"The remaining five thousand people are respectively the cooks, the morale enforcement squad, and the logistical personnel responsible for the army's transport."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu appeared very satisfied: "Excellent, quite detailed; except for cavalry, we have almost everything we need."

Tu Tu Kesiluo showed a bitter expression: "Perhaps the lack of cavalry will become our greatest disadvantage in the future."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "It matters not; once we crush the people of Other Xi Xia this time, why worry about not having warhorses?"

"But have you considered who will be responsible for commanding these various troop types?"

This left Tu Tu Kesiluo somewhat troubled: "My lord, our available personnel are still too few."

"As for the infantry, this subordinate can lead them; Lord Lord Murong can be responsible for the scout camp."

"As for the archers and spear soldiers, for the time being, this subordinate truly cannot think of anyone capable of the post."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked around: "What do you think of Goudan?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo thought he had misheard: "My lord, are you speaking of Li Goudan, who just received severe punishment?"

Even now, when mentioning the three characters Li Goudan, his slender eyes were still filled with hatred.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "What, did you not expect it?"

"Although this official just punished Goudan, it was because he deserved his punishment; it was only right."

"But this does not mean Goudan is useless; I have seen with my own eyes the matter at Black Wind Ridge."

"In the future, if you train him well, he will absolutely be an excellent prospect."

"Enough; there is no need for you to be like this. Who among men has no faults? If he changes, that is enough."

"Just now, when the crowd pleaded for him, you saw it all; even the victims hidden among the crowd said nothing; what is there for you to hold against?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo sighed: "Very well; I hope they will recognize their mistakes and correct them."

"If you dare harm the soldiers I have trained again, then do not blame me, Tu Tu Kesiluo, for turning my back and refusing to recognize you."

His expression suddenly turned cold, and a majestic aura inevitably surged forth.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu chuckled: "Truly unexpected, that black-faced King of Hell of yours is quite protective of his own."

Tu Tu Kesiluo rolled his eyes: "My lord, we are speaking quite heatedly here."

"Who knows if the beaten Li Goudan will harbor resentment and still be willing to fight alongside us?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's smile gradually vanished: "In a couple of days, this official must go to the prison to see Goudan."

"If he can stay by this official's side, that would be best of all; everything can be discussed."

"If he harbors resentment, then it can only prove that this official has no eyes and misjudged the man."

"However, this is nothing; this official does not believe that among these fifty thousand people, we cannot find two who can lead troops."

He sighed: "Very well, let us not speak of this anymore."

"The blacksmiths in the main camp should already have started work; let them make these iron caltrops first."

Looking at the long sword in Tu Tu Kesiluo's hand, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes suddenly brightened: "Speaking of leading troops, this official has actually thought of someone."

Tu Tu Kesiluo, having received the blueprint, asked with some interest: "Who is it?"

Unexpectedly, Jiang Jiang Mingyu played coy: "Wait a moment, go out with this official, and you will know very soon."

After giving the blueprint to the blacksmith, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's first task was actually to take Tu Tu Kesiluo back to the county yamen.

Tu Tu Kesiluo did not quite understand: "Did we not say we were going to find someone? Why have we returned?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "What is the rush? You will know in a moment."

Saying this, ignoring Tu Tu Kesiluo's face full of question marks, he turned directly and walked toward the rear hall of the county yamen.

About a cup of tea later, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, having changed into clean clothes, appeared before Tu Tu Kesiluo again.

Compared to the dusty face from before, Jiang Jiang Mingyu now, looking like a cream-faced young man, seemed even more handsome.

Tu Tu Kesiluo did not say much; he climbed onto the horse and headed toward Nancheng.

This time it was Jiang Jiang Mingyu who did not understand: "How did you know this official was going to Nancheng?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo, braving the cold wind, smiled with deep meaning: "Dressed like this, naturally you are going to see Young Lady Liu."

"Even if you were going to pay respects to the Inspector, I have never seen you make such a formal display."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's old face turned red: "Was this official's behavior so obvious?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo no longer knew what expression to make: "My lord, forgive your subordinate for speaking bluntly; you might as well have written it on your face."

Immediately, he stretched his neck in great gossip: "My lord, have you taken a fancy to that Miss Liu?"

The two were already of similar age, and since Jiang Jiang Mingyu arrived in Shangmu, he had basically been mixing with Tu Tu Kesiluo every single day.

Thus, the two had long become extremely familiar; when not discussing official matters, Tu Tu Kesiluo's words were very casual.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, played riddles: "What do you think?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo sneered: "My lord, if you have not taken a fancy to Miss Liu, then I, Tu Tu Kesiluo, will write my name backwards."

"However, did we not say we were going to find someone to lead troops? What does this have to do with Miss Liu?"

"Could it be that delicate Miss Liu is also a hidden master? She does not look like one."

Holding the reins, he spoke while pondering Miss Liu Liu Yifei's every move from the past.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu teased: "What makes you think she does not look like one?"

"The person this official is taking you to see is Miss Liu's friend, named Zhang Zhang Jiani."

"However, you must remember: although her name is Zhang Zhang Jiani, she is not at all easy to get along with."

"She is an unqualified, fierce, and proud-and-coy she-tiger."

He spoke with some fear: "She has not been back in Shangmu for many days, yet this official nearly died at her hands twice."

Tu Tu Kesiluo instantly became angry: "Daring to lay hands on my lord? I must see what kind of ruthless character she truly is."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke with some consolation: "Do not underestimate her; in this official's view, her martial arts are not at all inferior to yours."

At least, he had never seen Tu Tu Kesiluo's sword move as fast as the speed at which Zhang Zhang Jiani nearly stabbed him to death that day.

Hearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu say this, Tu Tu Kesiluo became even more interested: "Such a rare master, I must meet her properly."

"I only hope she is not like that Old Yu from Black Wind Ridge, merely a silver-tipped wax spear."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled with deep meaning: "Your wish shall be granted."

While the two were speaking, they arrived at the Liu Liu Yifei residence, hidden in the heavy snow.

For this lord who visited frequently, the servant at the gate was already accustomed: "My lord, you have arrived."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded to the servant who bowed with clasped hands: "Is Master Chu in the residence?"

The servant smiled awkwardly: "My lord has come at an unfortunate time; my master went to the prefectural city a few days ago."

"At present, only the Young Lady is at home. Perhaps my lord should visit another day; what do you think?"

With Liu Ximen absent and only Liu Liu Yifei at home, how could this Lord Wei leave such a good opportunity?

He quickly told the servant: "Then go notify the Young Lady that this official has come to visit with urgent matters to discuss. Go quickly."

Urgent matters? The servant racked his brains but could not figure out what urgent matter this Imperial Envoy could have with his Young Lady.

How could he know that in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart, meeting the longed-for Liu Liu Yifei immediately was the greatest matter of all.

The Imperial Envoy's orders naturally could not be disobeyed; the servant said "Please wait a moment," turned, and quickly entered the main gate.

About a cup of tea later, Liu Liu Yifei's clear voice came from inside the gate: "The wind is cold and the snow is heavy outside; Lord Jiang, please come inside."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, whose face was nearly frozen stiff, forced out a smile: "I am here, hehe, I am here."

Tu Tu Kesiluo on the side was speechless, thinking: Look at your pitiful state; it is as if you have not seen a woman in eight lifetimes.

Shameful, truly shameful; I am ashamed for you.

But the moment he stepped through the gate, Tu Tu Kesiluo, who had worn a look of contempt, suddenly froze.

His slender eyes stared fixedly at the woman beside Liu Liu Yifei, his throat rolling incessantly.

Especially the arrogance that seemed innate on the woman's face made Tu Tu Kesiluo feel as though his eyes could not be pulled away.

That woman stood with Liu Liu Yifei in the snow, not only losing no luster, but even giving the impression of twin flowers blooming together.

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo's saliva nearly frozen by the cold wind, Zhang Zhang Jiani, wrapped in a white cloak, instantly flew into a rage.

She spoke coldly, "Truly a corrupt official's attendant; even the look of lust seems cast from the same mold."

"I truly do not know since when the Shang Mu yamen has sunk to such a low level."

"Staring at women with one's life on the line—what sort of thing is this?"

"You dare look again? Do you believe this Miss will gouge out your dog eyes?"

At this moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo's reaction was no reaction; even his eyes, seemingly frozen, did not shift a single bit.

The Zhang Zhang Jiani opposite him grew even more furious, "Dog thief, you seek death."

Only a flash of cold light was seen as the short sword in her hand, like a silver bolt of silk, thrust toward the statue-like Tu Tu Kesiluo.

Seeing Zhang Zhang Jiani leap several times until she was right before Tu Tu Kesiluo, Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly shouted, "Tu Tu Kesiluo, danger!"

At the critical moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo, who had been immersed, suddenly woke and hurriedly used his long sword to block Zhang Zhang Jiani's blade.

Zhang Zhang Jiani could not help but pause, "I did not expect you, dog thief, to be a master."

Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke very nervously, "This Miss, what is the reason?"

In Zhang Zhang Jiani's tsundere expression, a touch of disdain was added: "You ask why? Men are animals that think with their lower bodies; not one is a good thing."

Tu Tu Kesiluo's face instantly grew cold, "I am not one of those lechers you speak of."

Zhang Zhang Jiani spun a sword flourish, "Quibbling! This Miss will now gouge out your dog eyes."

Tu Tu Kesiluo also grew angry, "You are Zhang Zhang Jiani, are you not?"

"My lord was right; indeed, you are a fierce she-tiger."

Zhang Zhang Jiani glared fiercely at Jiang Jiang Mingyu beside her, then gritted her silver teeth and shouted coldly, "Dog thief, you seek death."

The instant the last word hit the ground, her figure, which had almost merged with the snow, charged straight at Tu Tu Kesiluo.

Tu Tu Kesiluo, imitating Zhu Ge Yu, spoke with infinite pretension, "Not bad; you have some skills."

"Seeing you are a woman, I will first let you have three..."

Before he could finish speaking the last word, Zhang Zhang Jiani kicked him, sending him stumbling backward three steps.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, watching the fight, instantly felt his old face flush, "Pretension failed; this is a huge embarrassment."

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo, whose pretension had failed, receive a hard kick from her, Zhang Zhang Jiani's eyes held even more contempt.

With a tsundere expression, she said, "Lecher, you truly have no shame."

"With such pitiful kung fu, you dare show off before this Miss? It truly makes one laugh their teeth out."

"Enough; this Miss has no time to waste on you here. Kneel down and admit defeat quickly."

Tu Tu Kesiluo, with a footprint still on his chest, felt his five viscera and six entrails all seem to flip over together.

The Black-faced Yama, who had made a huge fool of himself in public, could not help but curse inwardly, "This woman's face is so pale, yet how is her strike so vicious?"

Amidst the whistling north wind, Tu Tu Kesiluo's face was frighteningly hot, "I... you..."

Zhang Zhang Jiani looked extremely impatient, "What 'you'? What 'I'?"

"Lecher, do not kneel and beg for mercy? Do you still wish to be beaten again?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo finally caught his breath evenly, "Seeing you are a woman, I was holding back."

"If the tiger does not roar, you think I am critically ill. To beat me, you do not yet have the ability."

With a mocking expression, he beckoned to Zhang Zhang Jiani, "Come, let me see your true skills."

Tu Tu Kesiluo's frivolous manner made Zhang Zhang Jiani, already full of anger, even more furious, "Lecher, you seek death."

Before the words had fully faded, the short sword in her hand thrust viciously at Tu Tu Kesiluo again; it was clear she had truly lost her temper.

The Tu Tu Kesiluo opposite showed no fear at all; while raising his sword to meet her, he also shouted loudly, "I have already said, I am a pure man."

With a crisp clang, the long and short swords finally collided in the cold wind.

Then, Tu Tu Kesiluo draped in a white great cloak and Zhang Zhang Jiani wrapped in a white cloak flew up and down, fighting together.

Compared to Tu Tu Kesiluo, who wore an expression of complete indifference, Zhang Zhang Jiani, having truly lost her temper, used far more fierce techniques.

Although she was a woman, her sword techniques and moves were entirely of the open, vigorous, and powerful style.

As her short sword struck Tu Tu Kesiluo's blade, amidst the whistling and icy cold wind, sparks that were almost invisible actually flew out.

Not only that, whenever there was an opportunity, Zhang Zhang Jiani would strike at Tu Tu Kesiluo's vital points, appearing as if she would fight to the death.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, watching the fight, clearly saw several times that Zhang Zhang Jiani's short sword grazed Tu Tu Kesiluo's crotch without danger.

To not exaggerate, if Zhang Zhang Jiani's blade had moved up just a few inches, Tu Tu Kesiluo would have been able to do nothing but be a Miss for the rest of his life.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu truly could not understand how this woman, who was by no means ugly, would practice such domineering kung fu.

In contrast, Tu Tu Kesiluo, with his Yin and soft face, actually had a touch of the delicate appearance of a young lady from a humble family before her.

Although that was the case, in the exchange of moves and counters, Tu Tu Kesiluo's expression did not fluctuate greatly.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu breathed a sigh of relief; having taken one kick, if Tu Tu Kesiluo were beaten by Zhang Zhang Jiani again, the face of my lord Wei would truly have nowhere to go.

Seeing the two of them going back and forth, fighting with great enjoyment, Liu Liu Yifei could not help but worry, "My lord, will something happen?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head, "Rest assured; I know Tu Tu Kesiluo's ability; nothing should happen."

In truth, he also wanted to borrow Tu Tu Kesiluo's hand to cut down this she-tiger's momentum; if he loses in a moment, see what you have left to be tsundere with!

As soon as he finished speaking, only a cry of agony from Tu Tu Kesiluo was heard, and he rolled away like a gourd rolling on the ground, falling a great distance.

Before Tu Tu Kesiluo could get up, Zhang Zhang Jiani's blade was already pressed against his throat, "How is it, lecher? Do you submit?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who had just finished boasting for Tu Tu Kesiluo, could not help but turn his face black; it was over; this person had completely lost face.

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo say nothing, Zhang Zhang Jiani asked coldly again, "Lecher, if you do not kneel and beg for mercy, I will kill you right now."

Facing the sword's edge, Tu Tu Kesiluo looked utterly indifferent: "Do it. Making me, Tu Tu Kesiluo, beg for mercy? No way."

He twisted his face violently to the side, as if to say, "Stop wasting words."

Zhang Zhang Jiani's expression remained haughty: "Fine, that's more like a man. In that case, this Miss will grant your wish."

Seeing she was about to strike, Liu Liu Yifei beside her hurriedly shouted, "Zhang Jiani, stop at once, do not make a scene anymore."