Chapter 134: Military Strategy

"Nothing more than asking Miss Zhang to return to the City Defense Camp," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said with a smile.

"I won't go!" Zhang Zhang Jiani refused flatly without a second word. "Summoned at will and dismissed at will—what do you think you're treating me as?"

Mentioning the City Defense Camp made her feel nauseous; she still remembered that lecherous Yang Hui and wished she could swallow him alive.

"Just thinking of that lecherous Yang Hui makes me want to vomit. It's disgusting!"

Liu Ximen, present there, found it inappropriate to say anything and could only offer a bitter smile. He was long accustomed to Zhang Zhang Jiani's temperament, knowing her to be fierce and not to be trifled with.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's smile did not fade as he explained again, "Miss Zhang, you do not yet know that Commandant Yang is dead. Now the City Defense Camp has returned to my hands. According to the wager you made with Tu Tu Kesiluo that day, you must still help me train the soldiers."

"Dead?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhang Jiani's eyes immediately brightened. "How did he die?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu repeated the lie that Yang Hui had died in a Xi Xia raid. After listening, Zhang Zhang Jiani smiled contentedly and sighed, "Good riddance. That lecherous trash should have died long ago!"

Seeing her so pleased, Jiang Jiang Mingyu pressed his advantage, "In that case, will you still go to the City Defense Camp?"

"I will. I'll go in a moment. Is that good enough?" Zhang Zhang Jiani rolled her eyes and retorted, unwilling to yield.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu thanked her repeatedly, his smile beaming.

Seeing that Zhang Zhang Jiani and Tu Tu Kesiluo were about to leave for the City Defense Camp, Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly called them back, took a sheet of paper from his robe, and handed it to Tu Tu Kesiluo, saying, "This is a new divine weapon I have just developed, named the Heavenly Secret Crossbow. Take this paper, find the craftsmen in the city, and have them forge it immediately according to the blueprints and instructions on it."

"The Heavenly Secret Crossbow has extraordinary power; one shot can reach over three hundred paces, more than double that of ordinary crossbow bolts. You must test it personally to see if there are any problems. If there are none, begin mass production immediately; the more, the better."

"This is a method I have long wanted to devise but never had the time to act on. Today, with Yang Hui's arrival, I remembered it."

Tu Tu Kesiluo took the paper, unfolded it, and saw a strangely shaped crossbow frame drawn upon it, along with many detailed annotations. He could not help but exclaim, "My lord, you are truly a genius. How could you conceive of something like this?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded proudly, "I put considerable thought into this. As you know, the enemies we now face are no ordinary folk; they possess fine equipment and training. To defeat them, we must innovate."

"Speaking of innovation, Miss Zhang is also a master. Her understanding of crossbows is no less than mine. You should consult her frequently."

He subtly gave Tu Tu Kesiluo a glance, hinting that he should seize the opportunity to pursue Zhang Zhang Jiani. Tu Tu Kesiluo understood the signal, bowed respectfully to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and then departed with Zhang Zhang Jiani.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched them leave, secretly delighted in his heart.

He knew Tu Tu Kesiluo had feelings for Zhang Zhang Jiani, but Zhang Zhang Jiani was a fiery person who would not easily agree. He wished to use this opportunity to let them interact more, perhaps leading to progress.

Liu Liu Yifei, watching clearly from the side, could not help but praise, "My lord is truly as delicate as a hair. Not only are your poems unparalleled, but you can also create such miraculous weapons and even matchmake others. You are truly capable of everything."

Hearing her praise, a flush of red rose on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face.

He smiled, "Where does my lord have such power? It was merely a sudden flash of inspiration. There are still many things I have not shown you. When I have time, I will show you some more."

Hearing him say this, Liu Liu Yifei's heart stirred. She knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu was no simple person and surely held many secrets. Curiously, she asked, "For example, what?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled, "For example..."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stepped closer to Liu Liu Yifei; the distance between them suddenly narrowed, and Liu Liu Yifei felt her heart race.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gazed into Liu Liu Yifei's eyes, his voice dropping lower, "It is some small secrets of mine, inconvenient for others to know. In time, you will discover I am not as simple as I appear on the surface."

Having spoken, he slowly raised his hand and brushed aside a strand of hair from Liu Liu Yifei's temple, the movement as gentle as caressing a precious treasure.

Liu Liu Yifei blushed but did not dodge, only turning her head slightly, "You... do not keep us in suspense. Just say it."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled without speaking and withdrew his hand, "No rush. Is it not interesting to let you be curious? There is plenty of time ahead; there will always be an opportunity for you to discover it slowly."

Liu Liu Yifei followed Jiang Jiang Mingyu to the kiln factory. Watching Liu Liu Yifei skillfully direct the workers, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but regard her with new respect.

Usually appearing delicate and soft, once she began work she was extremely capable and decisive.

Under her coordination, the previously chaotic scene became orderly.

Those common laborers, usually difficult to manage, showed great respect and obedience to the beautiful Miss Liu.

This must be related to the kindness her father, Liu Ximen, had shown among the people, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought silently.

He walked to Liu Liu Yifei's side and whispered in her ear, "You direct here. Tell me if you need anything. Rest assured, I will fulfill all your requests."

The warm breath brushing her ear made Liu Liu Yifei inexplicably nervous; she turned her head slightly, "Thank you, my lord, for your care. I will certainly do my utmost to complete the tasks you assign."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and then shouted to the craftsmen, "All of you must obey Miss Liu's commands. Do not slack off or cut corners, or my lord will not be gentle!" Everyone responded in agreement, pledging absolute obedience.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu glanced at the sky, seeing it was late, and prepared to return to the county yamen.

He approached Liu Liu Yifei and whispered in her ear once more, "I am returning first. You must be careful yourself. If any danger arises, tell me immediately; I will find a way to protect you."

The breath at her ear made Liu Liu Yifei blush and her heart race; she nodded gently, "Thank you, my lord. I will be careful. You also take care." Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, turned, and departed. Liu Liu Yifei watched him leave, a faint blush still lingering on her face.

Between the two, an ambiguous atmosphere subtly arose, inviting endless speculation.

It was only a few steps of walking, yet Liu Liu Yifei's heart had already, against her will, softened.

After leaving Liu Liu Yifei behind, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who still had many matters to attend to, hurried back to the county yamen.

He had not sat down for a moment when Zhu Ge Yu, having nothing to do and feeling bored and uncomfortable, arrived.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not lift his head and asked indifferently, "What is your business?"

Zhu Ge Yu smiled awkwardly, "Master, I have been idle these past few days and wish to ask you to assign me some duties." After eating and drinking well these days, this Mr. Zhu Ge had clearly gained weight.

After eating and drinking well these days, Zhu Ge Yu had clearly gained weight. Jiang Jiang Mingyu put down his brush and smiled slightly, "What work do you wish to do?" Zhu Ge Yu, without hesitation, blurted out, "Training soldiers."

Training soldiers was Zhu Ge Yu's specialty, yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu still frowned.

Training soldiers was indeed Zhu Ge Yu's strength, yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu still frowned and hesitated, "The City Defense Camp already has Tu Tu Kesiluo and Miss Zhang. Would your going not be adding legs to a snake?"

Zhu Ge Yu shook his head, "No. They only teach the most basic martial skills. What this disciple wishes to teach is military strategy, employing the strange and wonderful arts of the military to make the enemy unable to defend against us and greatly boost our military appearance!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu became interested and pressed, "Military strategy? How do you demonstrate this?"

Zhu Ge Yu's eyes sparkled as he spoke endlessly, "Military strategy emphasizes 'detouring before advancing straight.' Set up phantom troops, empty fort stratagems, and the like; first make the enemy guard the empty fort, then concentrate forces to attack what they must save. Again, 'adapt to the enemy': drive a benevolent enemy into a desperate path, causing them to lose their formation. Employ clever schemes and deceitful ways to ensure our army achieves its aims effortlessly. Master, rest assured; at that time, annihilating the Xi Xia soldiers will be as easy as turning over one's hand!"

Hearing him speak endlessly, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but nod and smile, "Good! In that case, go. With your assistance, I am at ease. Once there, you must fully utilize your strengths and train an elite force!"

Zhu Ge Yu immediately happily bowed, "I strictly obey the master's command! This disciple will certainly do his utmost to display the arts within military strategy and let the Xi Xia soldiers witness my true skills, unmatched under heaven!"

After parting words, Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched Zhu Ge Yu's retreating figure and inwardly praised his disciple's talent and enthusiasm.

He believed that with Zhu Ge Yu in command, a mighty army that never knew defeat could surely be established.

Zhu Ge Yu clasped his hands in farewell, then boarded the carriage and headed toward the City Defense Camp.

Zhu Ge Yu had not gone long when Liu Liu Yifei rushed in hurriedly, her face looking very grim.

Seeing her thus, Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly asked, "Liu Yifei, what is wrong? Your face is so grim. Have you encountered something sinister?"

Liu Liu Yifei stopped in her tracks, her face still a mask of panic, her words somewhat incoherent: "My lord, I... I was at the kiln just now and heard something truly unbelievable!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu grew even more worried and pressed her again: "What exactly happened? Tell me!"