Chapter 132: Master and Disciple United

Yang Hui followed Jiang Mingyu to the Shangmu city defense camp and, seeing the fifty thousand troops neatly lined up before him, was stunned and overjoyed, his eyes gleaming with delight.

He had once been a mere company commander; to now command such a vast army was beyond belief.

Just as Jiang Mingyu was about to hand over the city defense seal, Tukesulu stepped forward to block him, saying sternly, “Lord Jiang, wait—this seal cannot be surrendered so lightly. Once we lose command authority, how shall we resist the Western Xia bandits? Can this monkey-faced boy possibly handle the border threat?”

Jiang Mingyu sighed softly, helplessly replying, “General Tukesulu, he holds official documents from the Sima Mansion—we have no choice. But he may not be entirely incompetent; let us observe his actions before passing judgment.”

Tukesulu cast a cold, contemptuous glance at Yang Hui, his heart brimming with resentment.

Jiang Mingyu secretly plotted to kill this man and reclaim the seal, but for now he could only swallow his anger and wait for an opening.

Yang Hui held the seal proudly, so elated he nearly wept.

With this, he had secured Prince Qi’s backing—his bright future was within reach.

He feigned humility to Jiang Mingyu: “I am new here, unfamiliar with everything. I humbly beg Lord Jiang’s guidance—please show me around the camp.”

Jiang Mingyu had already despised this man in his heart, but he could only give a vague assent.

Yang Hui thought to himself: in Shangmu, he must tread carefully around Jiang Mingyu; once he secured his footing, he would find a way to deal with him.

For now, he must appear obedient and avoid rash moves.

Thus, Jiang Mingyu reluctantly led Yang Hui on a tour of the camp.

Yang Hui gazed at the fifty thousand troops, secretly rejoicing: even a mere Commandant commanded such elite forces—unheard of.

Had he known Shangmu was this valuable, he should have fought for this post long ago.

With fifty thousand elite soldiers, what could the Western Xia bandits possibly do to him?

His joy was plain on his face, his smile radiant, his delight unmistakable.

Jiang Mingyu watched Yang Hui’s smug expression and silently plotted his next move, waiting for the right moment to seize back the seal and reclaim military authority. As they toured the camp together, each harbored hidden intentions, plotting how to destroy the other...

As Jiang Mingyu led Yang Hui through the camp, Yang Hui kept glancing around—then suddenly his eyes lit up, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and he stared at a certain spot, saliva nearly dripping from his mouth.

A woman of extraordinary beauty stood not far off; Yang Hui had never seen such a stunning beauty, and he was instantly electrified.

Jiang Mingyu followed his gaze and smiled inwardly: this man was just another fool blinded by lust.

If he crosses that tigress, he’ll suffer dearly.

Yang Hui suddenly asked excitedly, “Lord Jiang, who is this woman? Why is she in the army?” His voice trembled with eagerness, as if he couldn’t wait to learn more.

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, replying calmly, “This is Miss Zhang. I invited her to assist in training the troops.”

Yang Hui was not satisfied; he frowned, challenging, “A woman training soldiers? Unseemly. Lord Jiang, summon her here—I have questions for her.”

Jiang Mingyu knew his lecherous thoughts, but it suited him perfectly—he called out, “Miss Zhang, come here.”

Zhang Jiani walked up to them, expression cold, tone impatient: “Dog... Lord Jiang, what do you want?” Jiang Mingyu explained, “This is the newly arrived Commandant Yang—he has questions for you.”

Yang Hui sized her up, leering, “May I ask your full name, Miss? Where do you live? Commandant Yang wishes to know you better.”

Zhang Jiani sneered, her eyes dripping with mockery: “What’s it to you? And where are your dog eyes staring? Want to die?”

Yang Hui’s face darkened instantly; he barked, “Insolent! Insulting a court official is a capital offense!”

Zhang Jiani remained unfazed, laughing bitterly: “In the Great Feng Empire, every official is more lecherous than the last.” She glanced meaningfully at Jiang Mingyu.

Yang Hui chuckled, trying to ease the tension with flirtation: “Why be angry, Miss? I only meant to chat.”

Before he finished speaking, Zhang Jiani struck without mercy—a kick sent Yang Hui flying, crashing hard to the ground, blood seeping from his lips.

He clutched his chest in agony, face twisted, yet stubbornly shouted, “Rebellion! Assaulting an officer is rebellion! Guards! Arrest her!”

Yet the surrounding soldiers turned a blind eye, as if utterly indifferent.

The soldiers didn’t even know who this monkey-faced fool was—and who would risk angering the She-Wolf for a stranger?

Yang Hui suddenly remembered—he had just arrived, still unestablished in the camp.

Feeling his pride shattered, Yang Hui rose, gritting his teeth to warn Zhang Jiani: “I’m new here—I won’t deal with you now. Don’t let me see you again, or you’ll regret it!”

Zhang Jiani sneered: “If this camp has men like you—lust-driven officers—I’ll no longer stay to be an eyesore. I’m Zhang Jiani, from the Zhang residence in South City. If you’ve got guts, come find me!”

Zhang Jiani stormed off, her steps firm and haughty, brows slightly furrowed—she had no intention of wasting another moment on Yang Hui.

Jiang Mingyu said nothing, fearing to provoke the already furious She-Wolf. He stayed silent, unwilling to get entangled further.

Yang Hui stood frozen, clutching his kicked chest, gritting his teeth against the pain, blood trickling from his lips—his face burned with humiliation and rage.

Yang Hui stood frozen, clutching his kicked chest, gritting his teeth against the pain, blood trickling from his lips—his face burned with humiliation and rage.

Yang Hui watched Jiang Mingyu leave, clenching his fists tightly: You wait—I’ll crush you, seize power, and make you suffer!

And that bitch—she won’t escape either. I’ll make her beg for death!

After Jiang Mingyu departed, Tukesulu arrived, his face flushed with fury: “Lord, why is Miss Zhang so angry? What happened?”

Jiang Mingyu recounted the entire incident. Tukesulu exploded: “Disgusting! The scum sent by Tang Cheng’an—each worse than the last! Can such a vile worm defend Great Feng? Dream on!”

He frowned tightly, eyes blazing with rage, then declared decisively: “Lord, I swear this man is a threat to you. I’ll watch him closely—see what treachery he plots!”

Jiang Mingyu nodded in agreement: “Good. Keep constant watch—see what schemes he devises.”

Tukesulu bowed and strode swiftly into the camp, immediately setting up spies to monitor Yang Hui’s every move.

At dusk, when the county offices lit their lamps, Tukesulu’s spy rushed in, face tense with urgency. Jiang Mingyu demanded: “What is it? Speak!”

The spy gasped: “Lord, something’s happened!”

Jiang Mingyu frowned, a dark premonition stirring: “Speak. Detail everything.”

The spy hurried on: “I’ve been watching Commandant Yang. After dinner, he secretly dispatched a trusted man with a letter bound for the provincial capital. I intercepted the messenger—the letter is here.” He handed it over.

Jiang Mingyu took the letter, reading it with grave expression. His face darkened. He murmured coldly: “As expected.”

Tukesulu muttered under his breath: “Yang Hui is a scheming snake! Lord, this man cannot live—he must be eliminated at once!”

Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed: “But how can we eliminate him without leaving a trace?”

Tukesulu smiled faintly: “There is one man who can do it.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled too: “You mean Zhuge Yu.”

Tukesulu affirmed: “Exactly! If anyone can handle this cleanly, it’s Master Sima.”

At that moment, Zhuge Yu entered, as if summoned by their words. “Master, what do you require?” Jiang Mingyu recounted the entire situation to him.

Zhuge Yu immediately pledged his loyalty to Jiang Mingyu and swiftly devised a detailed plan to eliminate Yang Hui. His sharp mind and insight impressed everyone present.

Jiang Mingyu’s eyes brightened; he nodded in satisfaction: “Good. Act at once. No word must leak.”

Tukesulu departed, relieved to entrust the task to the trustworthy Zhuge Yu.

Yet Zhuge Yu’s words carried a subtle warning: “Master, eliminating Yang Hui isn’t just about countering Tang Cheng’an, is it?” His tone revealed suspicion and concern for Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Mingyu’s heart tightened—had he revealed something? Had Zhuge Yu seen through him?

Jiang Mingyu’s face remained calm, but his mind churned: “What do you mean?”

Zhuge Yu smiled: “I mean, Master hides great secrets. You recruited fifty thousand troops—if you only meant to defend Shangmu, thirty thousand would suffice. I’ve studied Western Xia’s invasion strength—they can muster at most ten thousand. Master’s ambitions are far greater than that, aren’t they?”

Jiang Mingyu evaded: “I’ve made it clear—I aim to crush Western Xia and deter their border raids.”

Zhuge Yu shook his head: “No. That’s not truth. Western Xia’s land is barren but vast—defeating them is no small feat. With fifty thousand men? Delusion. The Inspector doesn’t understand warfare, but I’m no fool. Master’s goal isn’t Western Xia—it’s Great Feng. It must involve Prince Qi.”

Jiang Mingyu’s expression didn’t change: “How did you reach this conclusion?” His heart was in turmoil.

Zhuge Yu smiled: “Master, remember our first meeting? You gave me all your poems, begging me never to reveal you as the author. That proves you hide your identity, fearing someone. Tang Cheng’an’s presence here is suspicious—his ‘inspection tour’ is a lie. A man of his rank wouldn’t come here for no reason. He came for you—and your fifty thousand troops. If Prince Qi wanted to recruit you, he’d do it openly. Tang Cheng’an’s arrival is no accident. He’s Prince Qi’s man; you’re an imperial envoy. Between you two lies a hidden truth—so you conceal yourself, and he hunts you relentlessly.”

Jiang Mingyu was stunned—Zhuge Yu had seen through him completely. He was both alarmed and delighted: with this man’s aid, defeating Zhao Bing was within reach.

Zhuge Yu smirked: “If you’re enemies with Prince Qi, why stockpile such forces? Your true aim must be to raise an army and overthrow him. Plainly put—you intend to kill Prince Qi. Am I right?” His voice was low, audible only to the two of them.

Jiang Mingyu stared, wide-eyed—Zhuge Yu had uncovered his intentions entirely.

With nothing left to hide, he admitted: “Yes. You’re right. Since you’ve seen through me, it’s fate. I won’t harm you. If you expose me, I won’t blame you.” Jiang Mingyu braced for the worst.

Jiang Mingyu’s face was grim, but Zhuge Yu burst into laughter: “Expose you? Why would I? You’re my master—I’d never betray you. I’m a homeless dog; if I betray you, I have nowhere left to turn. I asked you this only to confirm your true intent—to prepare properly.”

Jiang Mingyu frowned: “What do you mean by ‘we’?”

Zhuge Yu spoke as if it were obvious: “Why ask? I saved your life—our bond isn’t shallow. I’ve always craved great deeds; I’ll fight anyone. If Master has this ambition, I’ll stand with you—no regrets. I have nothing to lose. To fight with all my strength—that’s enough.”

Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily: “Good! Let us, master and disciple, accomplish something great together!”

Just as they rejoiced, Tukesulu’s voice intruded: “Lord... you’re going to kill Prince Qi?”

Jiang Mingyu’s face changed instantly—he turned sharply to see Tukesulu standing at the door, pale as death.

Jiang Mingyu paused, then said slowly: “Yes. I will remove this traitor.”

Tukesulu was even more shocked: “But he’s imperial kin! Killing him means exterminating his entire family!”

Jiang Mingyu replied calmly: “To rid the people of evil—what harm is that? The people of Great Feng are my priority.”

Tukesulu asked, confused: “Lord, why not return to the capital? Why risk your life here?”

Jiang Mingyu explained: “For years, Western Xia has raided our borders, burning and looting—because Prince Qi secretly colludes with them, selling our resources, plotting rebellion. When his forces are ready, he’ll join Western Xia in open revolt, bringing endless chaos. I stay here to prevent this catastrophe.”

Tukesulu fell silent for a long while, then asked: “If you fight Prince Qi, Western Xia will strike while we’re weak. What then of Shangmu?”

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Rest assured—I have a plan. I will protect Shangmu at all costs. This is Great Feng’s most vital border—if it falls, the consequences are unthinkable.”

Tukesulu narrowed his eyes, fell silent again, weighing his words. Finally, he spoke slowly: “If Master seeks to drive out Western Xia and defend Great Feng’s land and people, then Tukesulu’s life belongs to you. Whatever you command, I will not refuse.”

Jiang Mingyu beamed: “Excellent! With General Tukesulu and my disciple aiding me, we will surely eliminate Prince Qi, this traitor!”

He then grew serious: “Set aside these matters for now. The urgent task is removing Yang Hui as a distraction. How is your arrangement progressing?”

Tukesulu declared firmly: “Lord, rest easy—Yang Hui is dead. Even if not for you, he deserves death for lusting after Miss Zhang. I’ve arranged everything—he will die tomorrow, without fail!”

Jiang Mingyu walked to the window, gazing at the darkening sky, smiling: “Good. With you two helping me, failure would defy heaven!” Night had fallen, the north wind howled, and inside his tent, Yang Hui sat hunched over a map, his mood unusually cheerful.

Since sending word to Tang Cheng’an, Yang Hui’s spirits had lifted.

He imagined how Prince Qi would reward him once he learned the news.

Fifty thousand troops, plus Prince Qi’s favor—Yang Hui felt his golden days had finally arrived.

Suddenly, the tent flap was flung open—Jiang Mingyu rushed in, face tense with urgency.

Yang Hui looked up, smiling broadly: “Lord Jiang, what’s wrong? What happened?”

Jiang Mingyu gasped for breath: “Commandant Yang—something’s happened.”

Yang Hui remained calm and composed, a look of confidence on his face; he smiled smugly: “Lord Jiang, there’s no need to panic. Take your time and tell me what’s happened.”

Jiang Mingyu frowned deeply, his eyes filled with worry: “Commandant Yang, this is no time for jokes. This morning, mountain villagers reported seeing traces of Xi Xia forces outside the city.”

Yang Hui seemed unconcerned and replied coolly: “Xi Xia? What’s there to fear? We have fifty thousand troops under our command, Lord Jiang—why worry so much?”

Jiang Mingyu remained anxious and continued: “Commandant Yang, if the Xi Xia army advances in force, Shangmu will face destruction. That’s why I came straight to the city defense camp—to discuss a response with you.”

Yet Yang Hui paid no heed, sneering: “Is this really worth such alarm? Just a few Xi Xia intruders. We have fifty thousand troops, Lord Jiang—why be so alarmed?”

His eyes brimmed with contempt, as if mocking Jiang Mingyu’s excessive tension. He went on to explain his view: “Besides, this year’s winter has been unusually harsh. The Xi Xia lack food and clothing—they’ve only come to raid, which I anticipated. And I’m certain these Xi Xia aren’t their main force; for decades, not a single record exists of their main army crossing our border. They simply lack the strength for a large-scale offensive.”

Jiang Mingyu frowned, puzzled by Yang Hui’s dismissal of the Xi Xia threat, and pressed: “Then tell me—where exactly did the villagers spot the Xi Xia? I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Yang Hui sneered: “What trouble can those northern barbarians possibly cause? Not worth mentioning. But to ease your mind, I’ll personally lead a patrol to Baishou Mountain to investigate.”

Jiang Mingyu nodded reluctantly: “Very well. Since Commandant Yang is so confident, please go yourself—but proceed with caution.”

Yang Hui laughed heartily, triumphant: “Don’t worry, Lord Jiang. I’ll lead the patrol to Baishou Mountain and settle this minor issue. That way, I’ll earn another merit for Shangmu—and Prince Qi will surely take notice.”

Jiang Mingyu still felt uneasy, but knew it was pointless to argue further. He nodded and prepared to depart with Yang Hui.

The townsfolk had already sensed the commotion, whispering among themselves, discussing the actions of Yang Hui and Jiang Mingyu.

“Why are so many soldiers being mobilized all of a sudden? Is something major happening?”

“I heard they’re heading to the North Gate—could it be the Xi Xia are back?”

“Either way, we’d better find somewhere to hide quickly, just in case.”

The townsfolk’s murmurs merged into a clamor; the tension within the city grew heavier.