Chapter 115: Visiting the Tigress

Shangmu County, county yamen.

Looking at Jiang Mingyu’s expressionless face, Zhu Ge Yu spoke flatly: “Master, I’m leaving.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Already? So soon?”

Zhu Ge Yu sat down beside him: “It’s only half a month until the New Year, and there’s nothing left to do here in Shangmu.”

“With Lord Murong overseeing the iron mine, nothing’s likely to go wrong—I’ve accomplished my mission and can step back.”

“I also need to take this chance to send out my new poems—can’t let my fans wait too long.”

Seeing his urge to show off return, Jiang Mingyu couldn’t help but smile wryly: “Then go ahead and return.”

Zhu Ge Yu had nothing to pack; he turned to leave, but before he reached the gate, he came back.

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re actually reluctant to leave me?”

Zhu Ge Yu rolled his eyes: “Don’t flatter yourself—I’m not Li Goudan.”

“I just want to ask: when spring comes, will the Western Xia troops arrive?”

Jiang Mingyu nodded: “According to my estimate, when the food runs out in late winter and early spring, the Western Xia will surely invade.”

Hearing such a serious matter, Zhu Ge Yu couldn’t suppress a grin: “Perfect—just as I thought.”

“After the New Year, I’ll come back to Shangmu and wait—I’ll give these Western Xia a proper fight.”

To someone with nowhere to fulfill his ambitions, this was a rare opportunity—even if ordinary people would flee from it.

Without waiting for Jiang Mingyu’s reaction, he strode out the yamen gate.

Zhu Ge Yu’s words were like a calming pill for Jiang Mingyu.

With Zhu Ge Yu on their side, the chance of holding Shangmu increased significantly.

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

Jiang Mingyu, idle and Ditou , noticed the drawing he’d made still lying quietly on the desk.

Jiang Mingyu slapped his forehead: “It’s all that useless Li Goudan’s fault—I forgot something this important.”

Without delay, he climbed back onto Ma Bei and headed for the city defense camp.

Looking at the bizarre drawing in his hand, Tu Kexiluo frowned: “My lord, what is this thing?”

He racked his memory but couldn’t figure out what this spiky object was supposed to be.

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: “It’s something I just devised—called an Iron Caltrop.”

The new term left Tu Kexiluo even more confused: “What’s it used for?”

Jiang Mingyu adopted a patient, instructive tone: “Strictly speaking, this is a type of weapon.”

At the mention of weapons, Tu Kexiluo perked up; he studied the drawing closely: “A hidden weapon?”

Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “Its main purpose is to counter Western Xia cavalry.”

“You’ve surely noticed—no matter how you throw it, one of its spikes always points upward.”

“Its sharpness is enough to pierce horse hooves—devastating for charging cavalry.”

Tu Kexiluo nodded with admiration: “Excellent. With this, we can handle their cavalry.”

“Once their cavalry is neutralized, our numerical advantage will gradually turn the tide.”

But Jiang Mingyu wasn’t so optimistic: “This alone isn’t nearly enough.”

“If their vanguard clears a path, the following cavalry can still advance.”

After a brief surge of excitement, Tu Kexiluo’s smile faded: “Then what do we do?”

Jiang Mingyu declared confidently: “Don’t worry—I’ve been researching other weapons these past few days.”

“When all troop types coordinate, we’ll annihilate the Western Xia invaders.”

He turned to Tu Kexiluo: “How’s the task I gave you going?”

On the way back from the provincial capital, he’d instructed Tu Kexiluo to divide his fifty-thousand troops into distinct branches.

Tu Kexiluo gave a sly smile: “Just now, I conducted a mobilization—nearly complete.”

“Twenty thousand infantry, twenty thousand spearmen, one thousand scouts, four thousand archers.”

“The remaining five thousand are cooks, discipline officers, and logistics personnel.”

Jiang Mingyu looked satisfied: “Good—detailed enough. Except for cavalry, you’ve got all the essentials.”

Tu Kexiluo looked grim: “Lacking cavalry may become our greatest weakness.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “No matter. Once we crush the Western Xia, won’t we have plenty of warhorses?”

“But have you considered—who will command each of these branches?”

Tu Kexiluo hesitated: “My lord, we simply don’t have enough capable officers.”

“I can lead the infantry; Lord Murong can handle the scouts.”

“But for archers and spearmen—I can’t think of anyone suitable right now.”

Jiang Mingyu glanced around: “What about Goudan?”

Tu Kexiluo thought he’d misheard: “My lord—you mean Li Goudan, the one who just received severe punishment?”

Even now, saying “Li Goudan” sent a flash of hatred through his narrow eyes.

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Surprised?”

“I punished Goudan because he deserved it—that’s all.”

“But that doesn’t mean he’s useless—I saw what he did at Heifeng Ridge.”

“Train him properly, and he’ll be a fine prospect.”

“Enough of this. Everyone makes mistakes—what matters is correcting them.”

“You saw how the others pleaded for him—even the victims in the crowd said nothing. Why hold a grudge?”

Tu Kexiluo sighed: “Fine. I hope they learn from this.”

“If they dare harm the soldiers I’ve trained, don’t expect me, Tu Kexiluo, to show mercy.”

His expression turned icy; a chilling aura surged forth.

Jiang Mingyu chuckled: “Didn’t think you, the Black-faced Yama, were so protective of your men.”

Tu Kexiluo rolled his eyes: “My lord, we’re talking here excitedly.”

“But what if the beaten Li Goudan resents us and refuses to fight alongside us?”

Jiang Mingyu’s smile faded: “In a couple days, I’ll visit Goudan in the jail.”

“If he’s willing to serve beside me, everything can be negotiated.”

“If he harbors hatred, then I simply misjudged him.”

“But that’s fine—I refuse to believe I can’t find two competent commanders among fifty thousand men.”

He sighed: “Enough about that.”

“The blacksmiths in camp should have started work—get them to make these iron caltrops first.”

Seeing Tu Kexiluo’s longsword, Jiang Mingyu’s eyes lit up: “Speaking of commanders, I’ve just thought of someone.”

Tu Kexiluo, taking the drawing, asked curiously: “Who?”

But Jiang Mingyu teased: “Come with me later—you’ll find out soon enough.”

After handing the drawing to the blacksmiths, Jiang Mingyu’s first move was to return to the county yamen—with Tu Kexiluo.

Tu Kexiluo was puzzled: “Didn’t we go to find someone? Why come back?”

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “What’s the rush? You’ll see soon.”

Without waiting for Tu Kexiluo’s confused expression, he turned and walked toward the yamen’s rear hall.

About a cup of tea later, Jiang Mingyu reappeared, dressed in clean clothes.

Compared to his dusty earlier appearance, the now refined Jiang Mingyu looked even more handsome.

Tu Kexiluo said nothing, mounted Ma Bei, and headed south toward Nancheng.

This time, Jiang Mingyu was confused: “How do you know I’m going to Nancheng?”

Tu Kexiluo, facing the cold wind, smiled knowingly: “Dressed like this, you’re clearly going to see Miss Liu.”

“You never go this formally even to meet the Inspector.”

Jiang Mingyu’s face flushed: “Am I really that obvious?”

Tu Kexiluo had no expression left: “My lord, forgive me, but you might as well have written it on your face.”

He leaned forward, eager: “My lord, are you smitten with Miss Liu?”

They were nearly the same age; since Jiang Mingyu arrived in Shangmu, he’d spent nearly every day with Tu Kexiluo.

They were thoroughly familiar with each other—when not discussing duty, Tu Kexiluo spoke freely.

Jiang Mingyu dodged: “What do you think?”

Tu Kexiluo scoffed: “My lord, if you’re not smitten with Miss Liu, I’ll spell my name backward.”

“But we’re looking for a commander—what does this have to do with Miss Liu?”

“Could that delicate Miss Liu be some hidden master? She doesn’t look like it.”

He held the reins, pondering Liu Yi’s every past move.

Jiang Mingyu teased: “Why not?”

“The person I’m taking you to meet is Miss Liu’s friend—Zhang Jiani.”

“But remember this: though her name is Zhang Jiani, she’s anything but easy to get along with.”

“She’s a ruthless, arrogant, downright ferocious tigress.”

He shuddered: “She’s been back in Shangmu only a few days—I nearly died twice at her hands.”

Tu Kexiluo erupted in anger: “She dares lay hands on my lord? I must see this fearsome woman for myself!”

Jiang Mingyu said soothingly, “Don’t underestimate her. From what I’ve seen, her skill is no lesser than yours.”

At least, he had never seen Tukesulu’s sword move as fast as the day Zhang Jiani nearly stabbed him to death.

Hearing this, Tukesulu’s interest surged: “Such a rare master—I must properly test her.”

“I only hope she’s not like that old Yu from Black Wind Ridge—just a wax-coated spear, all show and no substance.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled with hidden meaning: “You’ll get your wish.”

While they spoke, they arrived at Liu Yi’s home, hidden beneath the snow.

The servant at the gate, accustomed to this official’s frequent visits, greeted him: “My lord, you’ve come.”

Jiang Mingyu nodded to the bowing servant: “Is Master Chu at home?”

The servant smiled apologetically: “My lord, you’ve come at an unlucky time—my master recently went to the state capital.”

“Only the young lady is home now. Might I suggest you return another day? Would that be acceptable?”

Liu Ximen was away; only Liu Yi was home. Such a perfect opportunity—how could Wei my lord leave now?

He quickly told the servant: “Go inform the young lady. Say I, the official, have come to visit and wish to discuss urgent matters. Hurry.”

Urgent matters? The servant racked his brain but couldn’t imagine what urgent business the imperial envoy could possibly have with his young mistress.

He had no idea that, in Jiang Mingyu’s heart, seeing Liu Yi at once was the greatest matter of all.

The servant, of course, dared not defy the imperial envoy’s command. He said, “Please wait a moment,” then turned and hurried inside.

About a cup of tea later, Liu Yi’s clear voice came from within: “The wind is bitter and the snow heavy, Lord Jiang—please come inside.”

Jiang Mingyu’s face was nearly frozen stiff, yet he forced a smile: “Coming, heh, coming.”

Beside him, Tukesulu was speechless—he thought, Look at you, pathetic, like you’ve never seen a woman in your life.

Embarrassing. So embarrassing. I’m ashamed just watching you.

But the moment he stepped through the gate, Tukesulu froze, his expression of disdain turning to shock.

His narrow eyes locked onto the woman beside Liu Yi, his throat bobbing uncontrollably.

Especially the woman’s face—her innate, effortless arrogance made him feel as if his eyes were glued in place.

The woman stood beside Liu Yi in the snow, not dimmed at all—instead, she seemed like twin blossoms blooming together.

Seeing Tukesulu’s saliva nearly frozen by the wind, Zhang Jiani, wrapped in a white cloak, flew into a rage.

She coldly said, “So you’re the official’s lackey—your lecherous gaze is carved from the same mold.”

“I never thought the Shangmu Yamen had sunk this low.”

“Staring at women like a starving dog—what kind of creature are you?”

“You dare keep looking? Do you think I won’t gouge out your dog’s eyes?”

Tukesulu’s reaction? None at all. Even his frozen eyeballs didn’t shift.

Zhang Jiani’s fury boiled over: “Dog thief, you want to die.”

A flash of cold light—her short sword shot forward like a silver bolt, aimed straight at Tukesulu, statue-like and motionless.

Seeing Zhang Jiani leap several times and close the distance, Jiang Mingyu shouted loudly: “Tukesulu, danger!”

At the last instant, Tukesulu snapped out of his trance and raised his longsword to block Zhang Jiani’s blade.

Zhang Jiani paused, surprised: “Didn’t expect you, dog thief, to be a skilled one.”

Tukesulu, tense, asked: “Miss, why are you doing this?”

Zhang Jiani’s haughty expression grew even more disdainful: “Why? Men are all creatures of their lower halves—none of you are decent.”

Tukesulu’s face hardened: “I am not one of those lechers you describe.”

Zhang Jiani flicked her sword, making a flourish: “Excuses. I’ll gouge out your dog’s eyes right now.”

Tukesulu snapped back: “You’re Zhang Jiani, aren’t you?”

“Our lord was right—you really are a snarling tigress.”

Zhang Jiani shot a furious glare at Jiang Mingyu beside her, then bit her teeth and hissed: “Dog thief, you want to die.”

As the last word fell, her figure, nearly blending into the snow, lunged straight at Tukesulu.

Tukesulu, imitating Zhuge Yu’s pose, said with exaggerated flair: “Not bad. You’ve got some skill.”

“Since you’re a woman, I’ll let you have three—”

Before he finished the word, Zhang Jiani kicked him hard, sending him stumbling back three steps.

Watching from the side, Jiang Mingyu felt his face burn: “Show-off failed. This is a massive humiliation.”

Seeing Tukesulu, humiliated and kicked hard, Zhang Jiani’s contempt deepened.

She sneered haughtily: “Lecher, you’re shameless.”

“With such clumsy kung fu, you dare show off before me? You’re a laughingstock.”

“Enough. I have no time to waste here. Kneel and surrender now.”

Tukesulu, with a footprint still on his chest, felt as if all his organs had flipped inside out.

The Black-faced Yama, publicly humiliated, cursed inwardly: This woman’s face is so pale—how can her kicks be so brutal?

In the howling north wind, Tukesulu’s face burned red-hot: “I… you…”

Zhang Jiani, impatient: “What ‘I’? What ‘you’?”

“Lecher, kneel and beg for mercy—or do you want another beating?”

Tukesulu finally caught his breath: “I’m letting you go because you’re a woman.”

“The tiger doesn’t roar, you think I’m dying? You’re not strong enough to beat me.”

He smirked and beckoned to Zhang Jiani: “Come on. Let me see your real skill.”

Tukesulu’s taunting demeanor made Zhang Jiani, already furious, explode with rage: “Lecher, you want to die.”

Before her words ended, her short sword slashed again toward Tukesulu—clearly, she was now deadly serious.

Tukesulu, unfazed, met her blade with his own and shouted: “I told you—I’m a real man!”

CLANG! The long and short blades clashed in the icy wind.

Then, Tukesulu in his white greatcoat and Zhang Jiani in her white cloak spun and clashed, locked in furious combat.

Compared to Tukesulu’s casual demeanor, Zhang Jiani, now truly enraged, struck with far more ferocity.

Though a woman, her swordplay was all open, forceful, and brutal.

Each time her short sword met his blade, nearly invisible sparks flew in the howling, freezing wind.

Worse, whenever she saw an opening, she targeted Tukesulu’s vital spots—unyielding, determined to kill.

Jiang Mingyu clearly saw several times how Zhang Jiani’s short sword narrowly missed slicing through Tukesulu’s groin.

To be blunt—if her blade had risen just a few inches higher, Tukesulu would spend the rest of his life as a eunuch.

Jiang Mingyu couldn’t understand: how could such a beautiful woman train in such brutal, ruthless arts?

In contrast, the delicate-looking Tukesulu seemed almost demure before her.

Yet as they traded blows, Tukesulu’s expression remained calm.

Jiang Mingyu exhaled in relief—he’d only been kicked once. If Tukesulu got beaten again, his own face would be utterly ruined.

Watching the two exchange blows with such vigor, Liu Yi worried: “My lord, won’t something bad happen?”

Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “Don’t worry. I know Tukesulu’s skill—he won’t be harmed.”

In truth, he hoped Tukesulu would humble this tigress—once she loses, where will her arrogance go?

No sooner had he spoken than Tukesulu let out a cry and rolled away like a gourd, landing far off.

Before Tukesulu could rise, Zhang Jiani’s blade pressed against his throat: “Well, lecher—do you yield?”

Jiang Mingyu, who had just praised Tukesulu, felt his face darken. Done. This man was utterly humiliated.

Seeing Tukesulu silent, Zhang Jiani coldly asked again: “Lecher, kneel and beg—or I’ll kill you now.”

Tukesulu, facing the blade, showed no fear: “Kill me. I, Tukesulu, will never beg.”

He turned his face away fiercely, as if to say: Enough talk.

Zhang Jiani’s expression remained haughty: “Fine. You’ve got some spine. Then, I’ll grant you your wish.”

As she moved to strike, Liu Yi beside her shouted urgently: “Jiani, stop! Don’t go any further!”