Chapter 129: The City Garrison After Being Trained by a Tigress

Wang Zhe stared at the testimony in Jiang Mingyu’s hand, his brow furrowing tightly.

He was stunned inside, whispering in disbelief: “Your wisdom, Lord Jiang, is truly beyond comprehension—ingenious schemes arise endlessly.”

His tone carried genuine admiration: “With this aid, we can expand our network and amass boundless wealth in the future.”

Greed glinted in Wang Zhe’s eyes, as if he already saw mountains of gold and silver—he was utterly entranced by the fantasy.

Jiang Mingyu smiled in agreement: “Your words are spot-on, my lord. We must immediately contact those involved and put this brilliant plan into action.”

“Rest assured, my lord, if we proceed methodically, the returns will be substantial,” Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, his confidence in his plan unwavering.

He thought carefully: after all, the Huang family’s core business was porcelain—and this was a once-in-a-millennium opportunity.

He had already drafted a preliminary plan in his mind.

Wang Zhe nodded in satisfaction: “Excellent, Lord Jiang. I leave it to you.” He was deeply impressed by Jiang Mingyu’s talent, as if a bright future had already unfolded before him.

Meanwhile, Tang Cheng was tormented by the Huang Chaoran case, pacing anxiously within his residence.

Though Huang Chaoran had revealed nothing of Tang Cheng’s identity, he had lost a powerful ally.

Worse still, Tang Cheng had yet to find any viable way to disrupt Jiang Mingyu’s control over the City Garrison.

Yet the Prince of Qi’s order arrived abruptly, forcing Tang Cheng to proceed with caution—he knew the Prince detested excuses above all.

The current situation offered no clear path: he could either defeat Jiang Mingyu to win the Prince’s favor, or face the Prince’s wrath and risk dismissal, falling into the same predicament as Huang Chaoran.

But Wang Zhe had been watching him constantly, leaving him barely able to leave, let alone travel to Shangmu to carry out the Prince’s orders.

As Tang Cheng was lost in thought, the door softly opened.

A retainer named Xiao Liu stepped in quietly: “My lord, Master Ma has returned.” He spoke in a hushed tone, afraid of disturbing Tang Cheng’s foul mood.

Tang Cheng froze, then exclaimed excitedly: “Bring him in at once!”

Joy lit up his face. Moments later, a slender middle-aged scholar with a small beard, Ma Yingjie, walked in calmly.

He bowed to Tang Cheng: “My lord, what are your orders?” His voice was calm, his demeanor refined.

Tang Cheng smiled and nodded: “Master Ma, during your absence, did you uncover anything?”

His tone held anticipation—he knew Ma Yingjie was clever, and perhaps he had found something useful.

Ma Yingjie smiled faintly: “My lord, you need not worry—I’ve indeed found something.” A hint of pride gleamed in his expression.

He continued: “Though I don’t fully understand how to disrupt control of the City Garrison, I have a way to seize Jiang Mingyu’s fifty-thousand-strong army all at once.” His voice brimmed with confidence, as if victory was already assured.

Tang Cheng’s brow twitched slightly: “Master Ma, what is your plan?” He was accustomed to Ma Yingjie’s eccentricity—yet each time, he delivered a shocking proposal.

“Jiang Mingyu holds such a large force because no one in Shangmu has been willing to assume the post of Commandant.”

“I have a cousin, Yang Hui. He has won numerous battles in Tenglong County and accumulated considerable merit—but due to bad timing, he was never promoted.” Ma Yingjie’s eyes flickered with thought.

“My lord, as Regional Military Commissioner, a single word from you can send him to Shangmu. With his battlefield achievements and your backing, even the Inspector cannot block him.” Ma Yingjie spoke with firm conviction—he had absolute faith in Yang Hui’s abilities.

Tang Cheng pondered briefly, then nodded: “This is a sound idea. Once Yang Hui assumes command, his record and my support will secure his position in Shangmu. Then, the fifty-thousand troops there will be under my control.” His voice carried firm resolve.

Ma Yingjie elaborated further: “Yang Hui will closely monitor Jiang Mingyu, waiting for the right moment. When the Prince of Qi is fully prepared, he will strike and eliminate this threat. At that time, my lord’s promotion will be within reach.”

Tang Cheng’s eyes lit with sudden understanding: “Master Ma, your plan is brilliant. This way, I can control Shangmu’s fifty-thousand troops and break Jiang Mingyu’s grip on the City Garrison. Is your cousin willing to serve us?”

Ma Yingjie nodded with a smile: “Rest assured, my lord. Yang Hui is eager to serve the Prince of Qi—he has long desired promotion and wealth. Even if the situation is perilous, as soon as he sees a chance for advancement, he will go to Shangmu without hesitation.”

Tang Cheng took a deep breath, his inner turmoil gradually calming. He began to believe this plan was feasible—it would let him defeat Jiang Mingyu, seize control of the City Garrison, and win the Prince’s approval.

“Good, Master Ma. Return and inform Yang Hui of this plan. Have him prepare. I will send the appointment decree as soon as possible.” Tang Cheng’s gaze hardened—he had resolved to use this plan to crush Jiang Mingyu once and for all.

“My lord, rest assured—I’ll see to it,” Ma Yingjie replied with a smile, then turned and left Tang’s residence.

Tang Cheng watched his retreating back for a moment, then his brow slowly relaxed.

He knew that against Jiang Mingyu, he could afford no slack—every step must be meticulously planned, with no room for error.

“Hahahaha, Jiang Mingyu, you think you’ve seized control—but you don’t know I’ve already laid a net of heaven and earth, waiting to catch you in one sweep.” Tang Cheng chuckled inwardly, certain that this time, he would win, driving Jiang Mingyu into utter despair with no chance of recovery.

He stood by the window, gazing at the picturesque scenery beyond—but his heart churned like a stormy sea.

Jiang Mingyu returned to Shangmu the next afternoon.

The long journey had left him exhausted, yet he had no time to rest—he feared Zhang Jiani might have caused some disturbance within the City Garrison.

As he stepped through the city gate, he told Tukesulu and Zhuge Yu: “Come, let’s see how Miss Zhang is training the troops—hopefully she hasn’t caused a full-blown disaster.”

At the mention of Zhang Jiani, Tukesulu’s eyes sparkled with excitement, his lips curling into an unreadable smile.

But Zhuge Yu was utterly confused—he knew nothing of this “Miss Zhang” and couldn’t understand why Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu were so wary of her.

The three arrived at the training ground. The sight before them made Jiang Mingyu freeze, then his brow knotted into a tight frown. Thousands of soldiers lay sprawled on the ground, their postures chaotic, like a patch of ruined mud.

A short distance away, within a broken formation, several soldiers swung their weapons desperately—but their motions trembled, as if they might collapse at any moment.

A low moan hung in the air; men kept collapsing, their bodies convulsing. Jiang Mingyu scanned the scene—was this the City Garrison he had painstakingly trained?

The former dignity and might had vanished entirely. Had something unimaginable happened in just a few days?

Tukesulu also clutched his chest—he clearly remembered how vibrant these soldiers had been when they departed. Now, they were reduced to this pitiful state—unbelievable.

“Get up, all of you! Even if you’re in pain, endure it!”

A sharp female voice rang out. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu turned—there stood a woman in black, fiercely directing the remaining soldiers.

Though far away, her piercing gaze seemed to cut through distance, striking straight to the soul, sending a chill through them.

This was Zhang Jiani.

The moment the soldiers saw Jiang Mingyu return, they scrambled to their feet, scrambling to rush toward him and beg.

“My lord, you’re finally back! This female demon is killing us!”

“We were recruited from the common folk—how could we endure such brutal training?”

“She treats us like beasts—better to send me home to farm!”

Facing these grown men on the verge of tears, Jiang Mingyu asked urgently: “What happened?” From their descriptions, he finally understood Zhang Jiani’s actions.

After his departure, Zhang Jiani’s first order had been to make everyone hold the horse stance—until they mastered it perfectly before any formation training could begin.

On the battlefield, if the horse stance is unstable, how can the formation hold? Her reasoning was sound—but the problem was, she demanded endless practice until someone collapsed from exhaustion.

Jiang Mingyu was horrified—this was clearly meant to drive the soldiers mad.

These common recruits had never seen such training. Within moments, some could no longer stand. Half an hour later, only Zhang Jiani remained standing.

But the next problem was worse: Zhang Jiani issued her second order—pick up weapons, form the original battle lines, and execute the drill flawlessly from start to finish. Any slackers would not be spared. Yet the trembling soldiers had no strength left to swing their swords.

Soon after, all the soldiers collapsed again.

Zhang Jiani’s voice was cold: “Get up.”

One soldier dared to plead: “Miss Zhang, we truly can’t go on—can we rest a moment?”

But Zhang Jiani roared without mercy: “Bring me twenty lashes!” The soldier screamed in agony, the sound echoing through the camp.

Zhang Jiani showed no pity: “Listen well—this is a minor punishment for a major offense! Anyone else who disobeys me will suffer the same fate!”

As she spoke, she half-drew her short sword—her meaning was unmistakable: she would show no mercy.

The soldier trembled and turned to Jiang Mingyu, struggling to speak: “My lord… we have no choice but to take up arms. Last night, hundreds of men nearly died.”

“This morning, the female demon returned and resumed horse stance and formation drills. We lost another layer of skin.”

“As you see now, my lord—we can’t hold on any longer. You must save us, or before the Western Xia even attack, our City Garrison will collapse!”

Jiang Mingyu’s fury burned: “This is abuse of power! There is no such absurd training!”

“Tukesulu, bring Zhang Jiani to me. If she continues like this, the City Garrison is ruined!”

The soldiers on the ground erupted in joy—perhaps their torment was finally ending.

Yet beneath their relief, a quiet unease began to stir.

Soon, Zhang Jiani walked toward Jiang Mingyu.

But she seemed to completely ignore his dark expression: “Dog… you’re back?”

To spare Jiang Mingyu’s dignity before others, she swallowed the words “dog official.”

Jiang Mingyu showed no gratitude: “Miss Zhang, why are you doing this?” He gestured to the fallen soldiers.

Zhang Jiani paid no mind: “It’s just training—why the alarm?”

Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened further: “Is this how you train soldiers? Are you trying to destroy my City Garrison?”

“Do you know what these men mean to Shangmu—and to me?” At his words, Zhang Jiani’s smile vanished.

Zhang Jiani sneered: “Dog official, what are you implying? Do you think I’m deliberately tormenting you to avenge that day?”

“If not for you saving Yi Fei that day, I’d never have bothered myself with your affairs.”

Jiang Mingyu sneered back: “If you weren’t deliberately tormenting them, why inflict such suffering on my troops, leaving them battered and broken? When the Western Xia army arrives, how will such exhausted men stand against them?”

He had every right to be furious—only Jiang Mingyu knew how hard it had been to gather fifty thousand men.

The military expenses alone had already exceeded one hundred thousand gold pieces. If these troops collapsed today, his life’s ambition would be destroyed, and the people of Shangmu would suffer—how could he bear it?

Zhang Jiani’s expression grew colder: “If you want to know the reason, I’ll tell you: everything I’ve done stems from sincere intent—not deliberate cruelty.”

She pointed casually at a soldier behind her: “When you first practiced the horse stance, how long could you hold it?” The soldier flinched, silent as a stone.

She turned and pointed at another: “You—how long did you hold your first horse stance?”

The soldier instinctively shuddered: “About… two geng.”

Clearly, he now held deep fear of this proud, ferocious tigress.

Zhang Jiani didn’t elaborate, only asked: “How long did you last in the formation drill?”

The soldier thought for a moment: “About one incense stick’s time.”

Zhang Jiani pressed on coldly: “And the next day?”

The soldier recalled again: “I held the horse stance for half an hour, and lasted two geng in the drill.”

Jiang Mingyu suddenly understood. Zhuge Yu and Tukesulu exchanged a knowing smile—they now grasped Zhang Jiani’s intent.

Zhang Jiani stared coldly: “Dog official, did you hear what they said?”

Jiang Mingyu gave a sheepish smile and spoke: “I see now, Miss Zhang—you’re pushing these men beyond their limits to strengthen their bodies. I misunderstood.”

Zhang Jiani said coldly, “You’re not entirely stupid, you corrupt official. I’ve trained your army for two days—we’re even. I return the seal, and I’m leaving.” With that, she tossed the seal and walked away.

Jiang Mingyu hurriedly blocked her path: “Miss Zhang, please wait—I have one request.”

Zhang Jiani frowned slightly. “If there’s nothing, I’m gone. Why waste words?” Jiang Mingyu quickly smiled apologetically: “I’m truly sorry—I misunderstood your intentions. I’m a scholar by training, clueless about military affairs, and that led to my prejudice. I beg you, Miss, to overlook my ignorance.”

“Even for the City Defense Camp, even for Shangmu—please stay. I am endlessly grateful, endlessly grateful.”

Having seen the progress of the City Defense Camp, how could he possibly let go of Zhang Jiani, whose methods were so unique?

Every bit of skill the soldiers gained increased the chance of defeating the Western Xia in the future.

Even for his own life, Jiang Mingyu, bowing low and humbling himself, must keep Zhang Jiani here.

Zhang Jiani showed no expression: “Stay? Stay to do what?”

Jiang Mingyu hurriedly smiled: “Naturally, I beg you to stay and train my troops.”

Zhang Jiani sneered: “Train your troops? On what grounds? Do I owe you?”

“Besides, aren’t you afraid I’ll ruin your City Defense Camp and drag Shangmu down with it?”

“I already said—I helped you before only because of Yi Fei.”

“Now we’re even. What reason do I have to help you? Who do you think you are?”

Saying this, she turned to leave.

Seeing Jiang Mingyu still trying to stop her, Zhang Jiani drew her short sword in an instant: “Get out of my way. Don’t force me to fight.”

As she walked farther away, Tuke Sulu, who had been silent until now, suddenly called out: “Wait.”

“Rogue, are you looking for trouble again?”

Zhang Jiani frowned slightly but stopped, waiting to hear what he had to say.

Tuke Sulu glanced at Jiang Mingyu first, then spoke: “Miss Zhang, please wait. Let me say one thing.”

“What happened just now was my lord’s rashness. Your anger is understandable.”

“But please understand his position—these fifty thousand men are Shangmu’s lifeline.”

“If they falter and the Western Xia break through, Shangmu will be wiped out, and your kindness will be buried with it.”

Though Zhang Jiani’s expression grew even more impatient, Tuke Sulu pressed on: “Please consider our plight.”

“Moreover, my lord has openly apologized and admitted his mistake.”

“We beg you—for the sake of Shangmu’s people—to let go of the past and continue helping us train.”

“If we can save Shangmu, not only my lord, but every citizen will remember your grace forever.”

In these words, Tuke Sulu’s tone grew increasingly solemn, filled with responsibility toward Shangmu and its people.

Yet Zhang Jiani’s expression remained unmoved: “Rogue, spare me the speeches. If not for Yi Fei’s sake, would I have done these thankless tasks?”

“Now that Lord Jiang has openly shown his dissatisfaction, why should I burden myself further by staying?”

“That’s all I have to say. Do as you please.”

Her voice carried a faint hint of hurt, yet her eyes were resolute.

She was like a stubborn lioness, unwilling to yield.

Tuke Sulu sighed. He understood Zhang Jiani’s nature—but he also knew he had to persuade her to stay.

He spoke more gently: “Miss Zhang, everyone here does not wish to see Shangmu’s people suffer the horrors of war.”

“Though my lord is blunt, his heart is to protect this land and its people.”

“If you give him another chance, you are contributing to Shangmu’s peace and stability.”

His words were soft, tinged with pleading, like a sincere heart laid bare.

Yet Zhang Jiani showed no sign of yielding: “Rogue, no more.”

“Since Lord Jiang thinks my efforts unnecessary, I have no reason to remain.”

With that, she turned again, preparing to leave.

He glanced at Jiang Mingyu beside him, his eyes reproaching him as if blaming him for speaking too harshly.

But Tuke Sulu could not let her go so easily: “Miss Zhang…”