Chapter 133: The Short-Lived Commandant

After a day of rushing and covering over twenty li, everyone was panting heavily. At this moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo clasped his fists and bowed to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, smiling as he said, "My lord, this subordinate will go ahead to scout the path and see what the situation is like up there."

A thought stirred in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart, but before he could reply, he saw Tu Tu Kesiluo spur his horse, kicking up a cloud of flying sand, and vanish from sight.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood Tu Tu Kesiluo's intention and deemed it inappropriate to say more. He could only silently pray that everything would go smoothly.

At this moment, Yang Hui clearly saw through Tu Tu Kesiluo's intent as well. He shouted loudly, "Look at him; he is clearly rushing to claim merit for himself! Men, cavalry, follow me and catch up! Infantry, obey Commandant Jiang's orders and follow shortly after."

With that, he snatched up his whip and gave chase, moving with the speed of wind and lightning, raising dust into the air.

A tightness gripped Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart; unable to think further, he urgently urged his mount to follow.

This chase covered another ten-plus li, leaving men and horses exhausted and the sky filled with dust. Finally catching up to Tu Tu Kesiluo, they saw him examining something on the ground.

Yang Hui shouted loudly, "What is going on? Why did you run so fast by yourself?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo pointed at the ground with a grin and said, "Commandant, look at these hoofprints; they were clearly left by Western Xia horses. I see these marks are still very fresh; they cannot have gone far. Let us hurry and pursue them!"

Yang Hui's eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily, "Haha, even Heaven lends me a hand! Men, pursue them immediately! Capture these damned Western Xia spies soon, and see how this official treats them!"

With that, he issued a stern command, and the hundred cavalrymen under his command were instantly invigorated, galloping away.

Although anxious in his heart, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, to ensure the plan proceeded smoothly, could only temporarily hold his forces back and let Yang Hui pursue.

The group arrived deep within Baishou Mountain, but the horse tracks they had pursued for so long had vanished. Everyone looked at one another in confusion.

At this moment, Yang Hui signaled everyone not to act rashly; he himself spurred his horse forward to scout, carefully observing the surroundings.

"Did these Western Xia spies grow wings and fly away?" Yang Hui muttered to himself. "Impossible; they must be hiding somewhere. Laozi will capture them personally and let Prince Qi witness this official's prowess!"

Just as Yang Hui was feeling proud, Tu Tu Kesiluo in the distance suddenly screamed loudly, "Commandant, beware!"

Startled, Yang Hui reined his horse around and was about to speak when dozens of huge boulders suddenly rolled down from above his head!

"Boom!" A shower of loose stones fell from the sky, and Yang Hui dodged...

Terrified, Yang Hui turned to flee, but it was already too late.

He let out a piercing shriek before being buried by the rolling stones.

This Commandant who had only recently arrived in Shangmu met such a tragic end right before the merit he sought.

When Jiang Jiang Mingyu arrived at the scene with the infantry, he saw everyone digging Yang Hui's corpse out of the rubble.

Watching this scene, he wore an expression of "shock" on his face, though his heart was utterly blank.

He hurriedly asked Tu Tu Kesiluo, "What happened?"

Under the gaze of the hundred cavalrymen, Tu Tu Kesiluo truthfully recounted the entire sequence of events to Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

This was Zhu Ge Yu's plan.

Last night, Zhu Ge Yu revealed his plan to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and Jiang Jiang Mingyu had instructed Tu Tu Kesiluo to select several absolutely loyal men.

Following Tu Tu Kesiluo's instructions, these men set up a trap here with an unknown purpose.

Early this morning, upon learning the trap was ready, Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately rushed to the city defense camp.

As for the so-called Western Xia people, they were nothing but a fabrication.

Yang Hui, greedy for merit, ignored all warnings and walked straight to his death.

After returning the corpse to the county yamen, Tu Tu Kesiluo asked, "My lord, what shall we do next?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled and said, "Go to the prefectural city. This official will personally inform Tang Cheng'an of Yang Hui's death."

"I will make him understand that if he wishes to oppose this official, there is only one path: death."

Tu Tu Kesiluo smiled and said, "That is indeed interesting."

Then, Jiang Jiang Mingyu issued another order: "Post a proclamation to inform the people that the Western Xia have retreated, and everyone may rest assured and celebrate the New Year."

With that, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo hurriedly rode away from Shangmu, heading straight for the prefectural city.

One day later, at noon, four days before the New Year, the two of them stepped into the Inspector's Yamen in the prefectural city again. The main hall appeared solemn and oppressive, as if a heavy atmosphere hung in the air.

As Tang Cheng'an entered the main hall, he immediately caught sight of Jiang Jiang Mingyu; his face was gloomy and dark, his head bowed so low it nearly touched his chest. Wang Zhe also stood to the side, his expression utterly wretched, as if he had suddenly found a half-dead fly in his meal. Tang Cheng'an's intuition told him this was no ordinary matter: "Inspector, Commandant Jiang, what is going on?"

Wang Zhe sighed deeply, his eyes hollow as if all vitality had been drained from him. He forced out the words, "Commandant Jiang, you speak."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's brows were tightly furrowed, his gaze heavy. He spoke thoughtfully, "Commandant Tang, a great disaster has befallen Shangmu."

Tang Cheng'an's heart immediately tightened: "Commandant Jiang, what exactly happened? Tell me quickly."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a long sigh, his voice filled with bitterness: "Just yesterday, alas, everything happened too suddenly."

"Early yesterday morning, mountain villagers in Shangmu accidentally discovered Western Xia people appearing at Baishou Mountain, thirty li outside the city."

As Jiang Jiang Mingyu finished speaking, Tang Cheng'an immediately grasped the severity and asked, "You reported this news immediately, correct?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded: "Of course. I reported it at once to the newly appointed Commandant Yang."

Tang Cheng'an's expression showed admiration for Commandant Yang: "Commandant Yang was an outstanding official; I have always been deeply impressed by him."

However, Tang Cheng'an soon noticed the change in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression. He stopped listening to the story and urgently pressed on: "What are the specific details? Stop beating around the bush and tell me at once."

Realizing he had been too wordy, Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly discarded the nonsense: "Upon learning the situation, Commandant Yang flew into a rage. He wanted to take a thousand men to eliminate those Western Xia barbarians. I warned him repeatedly, but he would not listen."

He continued his narration: "Then, Commandant Yang fell into a trap set by the Western Xia, and his entire body was crushed to pieces by the falling boulders."

Tang Cheng'an understood the gravity of the situation and sighed, "Alas, Shangmu finally welcomed a Commandant, yet in the blink of an eye, he has passed away. I feel deeply ashamed."

Speaking thus, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes actually turned red, shedding a few tears that were not entirely genuine.

Yang Hui's death, especially being killed by a Western Xia trap, made Tang Cheng'an feel the situation was extremely serious. He quickly pressed Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Are you certain this was a Western Xia conspiracy?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu answered affirmatively: "My lord, if you do not believe me, you can bring the mountain villagers who discovered the Western Xia people; one question will reveal the truth."

Tang Cheng'an sneered: "That mountain villager is also one of your subordinates in Shangmu, is he not? One must look to your face for the answer."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, then said, "I believe there is someone unwilling to surrender their military power, so they took such measures to kill Commandant Yang."

Tang Cheng'an spoke in a deep voice: "Commandant Jiang, you know who did this, do you not?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu wiped the two fake tears from the corners of his eyes, feigning innocence as he asked, "Commandant Tang, are you speaking of this official?" His voice trembled slightly, carrying a tone of grievance.

Tang Cheng'an snorted coldly, neither confirming nor denying. He lifted his chin and scanned Jiang Jiang Mingyu with a look of disdain.

After a long while, he finally spoke slowly and deliberately: "Let this matter rest for now; I will go to Shangmu personally to investigate the truth." His tone concealed a deadly threat, like a venomous snake coiled and ready to strike.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, puckered his lips as if thinking, then nodded with sudden realization, saying, "So Lord Tang suspects that I killed Commandant Yang." His voice carried helplessness, tinged with a hint of self-mockery.

Tang Cheng shot him a cold glance and sneered, "Lord Jiang still has some self-awareness." His tone was full of contempt and disdain.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded repeatedly and replied with utmost respect, "Commandant Yang was a trusted confidant promoted and employed by Your Lordship. Now that he has suddenly died, it is natural for Your Lordship to feel displeased. If you harbor doubts about this matter, please feel free to investigate in Shangmu thoroughly; I await your honored arrival." His voice was earnest and fearful, full of sycophancy.

Having spoken, he revealed a cunning smile, clasped his hands together in a bow, and said, "By the way, there is one more thing I must trouble Your Lordship to help with. Since Your Lordship says I am reluctant to part with military power, please send another Commandant to take over. At that time, I will hand over the seal, which will also dispel Your Lordship's doubts. Is this not killing two birds with one stone?" His tone became light, carrying a hint of flattery.

Wang Zhe, seated in the main position, barely held back his laughter. His shoulders trembled slightly, his mouth twitched, and he forced a grim, aggrieved expression. No one was willing to take the hot potato of the Commandant position in Shangmu in the first place; Yang Hui had just died, so who would dare to accept this deadly post now? Jiang Jiang Mingyu's move was truly brilliant, directly forcing Tang Cheng into a dead end.

Tang Cheng's face turned red with anger, his fists clenched tightly, veins bulging. He said hatefully, "Rest assured, the new Commandant of Shangmu will come sooner or later!" His tone was full of rage. Having spoken, he sharply swept his sleeve and strode away with long, rapid steps. This departure was like a flight, completely lacking the imposing momentum he had arrived with.

Watching Tang Cheng's back leave, Jiang Jiang Mingyu feigned regret and sighed, then shouted loudly, "Lord Tang, take care! Remember to notify in advance before going to Shangmu; I will warmly welcome your honored arrival!" His tone was full of mockery and derision.

Tang Cheng's figure paused slightly, but soon disappeared into the long corridor, and the sound of footsteps could no longer be heard. Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled with satisfaction, slowly walked up to Wang Zhe, and the two exchanged a glance; both knew clearly that in this round, Jiang Jiang Mingyu had achieved a complete victory.

Wang Zhe could finally no longer hold back and burst out laughing with a "pfft." He patted Jiang Jiang Mingyu's shoulder and praised repeatedly, "Excellent! Lord Jiang is truly brilliant! One move defeats the enemy, directly forcing Tang Cheng into a dead end; this maneuver is truly beautiful!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu also smiled proudly and waved his hand, saying, "Where, where; it was just good luck that led to victory in this round. If Tang Cheng wants to interfere in Shangmu, how could this official sit idly by?"

Wang Zhe nodded and sighed, "You are being modest, Lord Jiang; you are truly too modest. With your wisdom and methods, a mere Tang Cheng, how could he be your match? In this official's view, the situation in Shangmu is already firmly under your control."

Seeing Wang Zhe nod, Jiang Jiang Mingyu then continued to ask, "Inspector Lord, how is the handling of the Huang family's business progressing?"

His tone was humble and polite, his hands clasped together in front of him, his gaze respectfully fixed on Wang Zhe.

Wang Zhe smiled at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and shook his head, saying, "Lord Jiang, your memory. Last time you sent someone, this official already said that the Huang family's business is entirely under this official's control."

Speaking thus, he could not help but proudly puff out his chest, a proud smile spreading across his face.

"Now the timing is about right; when will the ceramics you promised begin to be fired? There are only three days left until the New Year, and this official still hopes to make a huge profit relying on this." Wang Zhe narrowed his eyes, greedily rubbing his fingers, a glint of money shining in his eyes.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly replied with a smile, "Your Lordship need not worry; this official will immediately return to Shangmu to prepare. Before the fifteenth of the first lunar month, the first batch of new porcelain will definitely be delivered. When this official comes to the provincial city again, I will certainly ensure Your Lordship is overflowing with wealth and makes a huge profit."

His tone was very confident, accompanied by a bold, ceremonial laugh, which pleased Wang Zhe greatly.

In his mind, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was already thinking, deciding to set up the workshop for making ceramics in Shangmu. Although Shangmu was far from the provincial city, it would allow the people of Shangmu to apply to make ceramics and earn some living expenses. When the common people are wealthy, Shangmu can truly become rich and strong. The so-called principle of hiding wealth among the people is exactly the policy a wise ruler should follow.

Wang Zhe lifted his teacup and took a shallow sip, a satisfied smile on his face: "This is excellent; then I will trouble Lord Jiang. At that time, this official will personally petition the Emperor for an edict to claim merit." His tone was boastful, as if Jiang Jiang Mingyu had already completed a great feat for him.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly bowed solemnly and said, "Thank you, Your Lordship, for your praise; this official will certainly not fail your heavy trust. I take my leave." Having spoken, he smiled as he exited the Inspector's residence and turned to embark on the journey back to Shangmu.

By the time he returned to Shangmu, only a day and a half remained before the New Year, but Jiang Jiang Mingyu wasted no time, immediately ordering Tu Tu Kesiluo: "Quickly build a large kiln factory in Xicheng, recruit the skilled kiln workers in the city, and conscript five hundred civilian laborers with compensation. Tell them to make preparations; work will officially begin on the first day of the New Year!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood with his hands behind his back, looking eager to try. Tu Tu Kesiluo was completely baffled and asked in confusion, "Your Lordship, what work is starting?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned his hand and handed the newly designed porcelain patterns to Tu Tu Kesiluo: "It is these new-style porcelain pieces; produce them quickly and transport them to the provincial city for sale, and we will make a profit. Starting work during the coldest time now is a rare good opportunity."

Tu Tu Kesiluo looked at the patterns, full of doubt: "Your Lordship, these porcelain pieces are no different from ordinary ones. Tu Tu Kesiluo looked at the patterns, full of doubt: 'Your Lordship, these porcelain pieces are no different from ordinary ones; on what basis must the people of the provincial city buy your outsider's goods?'"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu had no intention of explaining; he simply patted Tu Tu Kesiluo's shoulder and said, "Go; you will understand later."

Tu Tu Kesiluo wanted to say something more, but seeing that Jiang Jiang Mingyu had already turned and left, he could only shake his head and go about his business. Soon, official notices from the yamen were posted on the streets and alleys of Shangmu again.

"Recruiting again; what does the Lord want to do?"

"Look, it says they want skilled kiln workers; it must be for making porcelain, right?"

"Nonsense; does firing a kiln require so many people?"

"Who cares what it is; working for the Lord means getting silver. Why stand there? Let's go."

"..."

Amidst the crowd's discussion, the kiln workers and civilian laborers in the city surged toward the county yamen like a tide.

After gathering the number of people Jiang Jiang Mingyu needed, the guards he had sent out a few days earlier also returned, covered in dust.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu naturally asked eagerly, "How did it go?"

The just-returned guard, with a weary face, said, "Your Lordship, your subordinate ran through all four villages and eight towns of Shangmu."

"Finally, I have not failed your trust; I have brought back all ten thousand shi of sand that Your Lordship requested."

Tu Tu Kesiluo, who was about to go to the City Defense Camp, asked in great confusion, "Your Lordship, what is the use of getting all this sand?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "Naturally, for the kiln factory I asked you to prepare."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu then said to Tu Tu Kesiluo, "Let's go; follow this official to Nancheng."

"Now that Yang Hui is dead, the City Defense Camp still cannot do without that she-devil."

"Just in time for the New Year, this official must also go to visit Liu Ximen and Liu Liu Yifei."

As long as this future father-in-law is treated comfortably, future matters will fall into place naturally, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought to himself.

Naturally, Tu Tu Kesiluo was very willing to do this; only after Zhang Zhang Jiani returned to the City Defense Camp would he have a chance to make his move.

Thus, the two, each with their own hidden agendas, embarked on the journey to Nancheng.

At the Liu family residence in Nancheng, Liu Ximen was as kind-faced and smiling as ever, warmly receiving Jiang Jiang Mingyu. Liu Liu Yifei was also somewhat surprised by the arrival of the two.

After exchanging pleasantries with Liu Ximen, Jiang Jiang Mingyu inquired about Zhang Zhang Jiani's whereabouts. It turned out that since Liu Ximen returned, Zhang Zhang Jiani, who had always been by his side, had also returned to the Zhang family. According to Liu Liu Yifei, after returning from the City Defense Camp that day, Zhang Zhang Jiani had been irritable and cursing constantly. Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but smile bitterly; it seemed his secrecy work was done too well, and Zhang Zhang Jiani still did not know that Yang Hui was dead.

Just as Liu Ximen sent someone to invite Zhang Zhang Jiani, the guard Jiang Jiang Mingyu had just sent to transport sand suddenly ran over, looking troubled, and said, "Your Lordship, there is too much sand; it is now a mess, and everyone is in a panic. What should we do?" Two hundred civilian laborers transporting ten thousand shi of sand meant an average of five hundred loads per person, which was indeed too heavy. Jiang Jiang Mingyu currently had no extra hands; even Tu Tu Kesiluo would be going to the City Defense Camp soon.

Just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu was at a loss, Liu Liu Yifei, who had been very quiet, spoke up: "Lord Jiang, if you need help, I can go to assist." Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's surprise, Liu Liu Yifei looked at Liu Ximen and said, "You may not know that the Liu family's business has always been managed by my father and me together; I also know how to organize people. This small matter is nothing."

Liu Ximen nodded and said, "My daughter speaks correctly. If Lord Jiang needs to borrow her strength, let Liu Yifei go to help; it is just right to find her something to do, so that her daily studies in management are not in vain." As a businessman, he understood the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu naturally agreed with pleasure, thinking that as long as he could get close to Liu Liu Yifei, this was a great opportunity to further win the beauty's heart. He smiled and bowed, saying, "Then I will trouble Master Liu."

Liu Liu Yifei frowned and said, "I am going to help, so why are you thanking my father?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled awkwardly; it turned out that this gentle and generous Young Lady had a few mischievous traits.

And just at this moment, Zhang Zhang Jiani walked in, treading on the white snow: "Dog official, why have you come again?"