Chapter 138

Laughter echoed through the streets of Nancheng; the Liu family’s gate was right ahead. Jiang Mingyu gently lifted Liu Yifei down from the horseback, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“Looks like today’s the perfect chance to pay New Year’s respects to my future father-in-law and propose,” he said, holding Liu Yifei’s small hand, a sly grin on his face.

Liu Yifei’s cheeks flushed slightly; she kicked Jiang Mingyu’s leg lightly, a hint of playful reproach curling at the corner of her lips.

“Disgusting—who’s your future father-in-law? Shameless,” she pouted.

At that moment, a stern female voice suddenly rang out, making Jiang Mingyu’s heart sink.

“Corrupt official, what are you doing? Let go of your filthy hands.” Jiang Mingyu had barely turned his head when a sharp pain struck his chest—he was kicked off the horse, leaving a footprint on his chest.

Liu Yifei hurried to help Jiang Mingyu up, concerned: “Mingyu, are you alright?”

Jiang Mingyu coughed painfully, then looked at Liu Yifei in confusion.

Suddenly, Zhang Jiani, who had been silent until now, joined the conversation.

“You two… when did you get together?”

This unexpected question stunned everyone, especially Jiang Mingyu, who nearly rolled his eyes.

Liu Yifei stomped her tiny foot, cheeks still flushed, scolding: “Oh, Jiani, what are you talking about? ‘Getting together’? Don’t say nonsense.”

But Zhang Jiani grinned at Jiang Mingyu.

“Corrupt official, looks like you’ve finally won Yifei over. Good job.”

Jiang Mingyu finally caught his breath, but the situation left him utterly unprepared.

“Yifei, stop laughing—explain this right now. What’s going on?”

Liu Yifei was dragged into the Liu household by Zhang Jiani, leaving Jiang Mingyu alone in the cold wind.

Jiang Mingyu hurried back to the county yamen; only when dusk fell did he finally rest.

At that moment, he glanced at the guard standing by the gate and said sternly: “Go summon General Tu, Lord Murong, Wu Xiao, and Zhuge Yu to see me.”

Soon after, the four arrived one after another. Murong Yun seemed to have just left his home—he still carried the scent of New Year’s feast.

He stepped forward and asked: “Brother Xingqiu, why did you summon us?” His tone mirrored the unspoken questions of the other three.

Jiang Mingyu took a small sip of tea, then spoke slowly: “You’ve all followed me for a long time—from mining to training troops, you’ve worked hard. Now that it’s the New Year, I’ve prepared a small token of appreciation, and invited you all to drink together.”

Everyone immediately refused, but Jiang Mingyu had already pulled several red envelopes from his sleeve: “Wu Xiao, you’ve worked diligently—take these two thousand taels, have a good New Year.” Wu Xiao was flustered, stammering: “My lord, this is too much—I cannot possibly…” Before he could finish, the envelope was already in his hand.

Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Take it. You deserve it.” Wu Xiao knelt down, trembling with emotion: “My lord’s grace—I shall repay you with my life!”

Next, Jiang Mingyu gave two thousand taels to Murong Yun and three thousand to Tu Kesiluo. Tu Kesiluo was overjoyed—three thousand taels were a fortune, but winning Zhang Jiani’s heart meant even more. Jiang Mingyu added: “I’ve already sent word about your affair with Jiani—it won’t be long before you hear news.”

Finally, Jiang Mingyu gave Zhuge Yu two thousand taels. Zhuge Yu understood his intent and accepted gladly. Thinking of his expulsion from his family, a faint trace of melancholy crossed his face, but he forced a smile—not wanting to spoil Jiang Mingyu’s goodwill.

The red envelopes were all distributed; night had finally fallen.

As the group chatted aimlessly, the exhausted cook, drenched in sweat, entered.

“My lord, the New Year’s feast is ready, just as you ordered.”

According to the customs of this continent, when the moon rose, it was time to eat the New Year’s Eve meal.

Jiang Mingyu stood, sighing softly.

“Let’s go. Today is New Year’s Eve—let’s drink well together.”

But seeing him head for the door, General Tu quickly called out:

“My lord, where are you going? The dining hall is this way—have you already drunk yourself blind?”

Jiang Mingyu didn’t turn back; he sighed deeply again.

“This year’s New Year’s Eve meal—we’ll eat it in the prison. There’s a wounded Li Goudan waiting for us.”

Watching his retreating figure, General Tu and the others sighed, then followed Jiang Mingyu.

Shangmu Prison, dimly lit.

Li Goudan, who had long lost track of time, looked up at Jiang Mingyu’s sudden arrival and asked:

“My lord, why are you here?”

He looked noticeably better than the last time Jiang Mingyu had visited.

Jiang Mingyu ordered the servants to set out the feast, then spoke:

“It’s the New Year. I’ve come with them to share a drink with you.”

Night fell. A group sat together inside Shangmu Prison, the New Year’s feast spread across the table. Jiang Mingyu, General Tu, Zhuge Yu, and the unfortunate transplant Li Goudan celebrated the arrival of the new year.

Jiang Mingyu smiled as he filled each cup with wine; the aroma filled the air, illuminating their faces. He raised his cup, gazing at Li Goudan, his eyes filled with complex emotion.

“Li Goudan, look—this year we’re spending New Year’s in prison, but at least we have wine and food.”

Li Goudan stared at Jiang Mingyu in surprise, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face, then he sighed and lowered his head.

“My lord, why do you do this?” he asked, his eyes filled with confusion and unease.

Jiang Mingyu didn’t answer immediately; he lowered his head in thought.

General Tu and Zhuge Yu also looked puzzled; tension spread through the prison.

Suddenly, Jiang Mingyu lifted his head, a flash of resolve in his eyes. He took a deep breath, then looked steadily at Li Goudan.

“Because we’re friends,” he said softly, his voice firm and deep.

On this special night, Jiang Mingyu’s words became a vow, deeply etched into every heart. They sat together in the prison; the food and wine were simple, but their sincerity was boundless.

This New Year, they spent together. This New Year, they would never forget.

Deep into the night, the prison lights dimmed. The group sat in silence, savoring the weight of Jiang Mingyu’s words. The full moon hung high, casting its glow over this extraordinary night.

General Tu broke the silence, his voice trembling.

“My lord, I…” He took a deep breath, a spark of determination in his eyes. “I’ll treat you as a friend too.”

Zhuge Yu nodded slowly, his expression solemn and resolute. He raised his cup, voice slightly hoarse: “Happy New Year.”

The first cup of the New Year, they drank together, wishing for peace in the year ahead.

Then came the second, the third… the wine grew stronger, the atmosphere warmer.

Night deepened, the wine faded. The New Year’s feast ended; everyone took their leave.

The New Year’s feast was over—it was deep into the night.

Gazing at the full moon above, drunk and drowsy, Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly. Tomorrow was a new year.

The next morning—the first day of the New Year.

Jiang Mingyu lay in bed, his head pounding, when a frantic knocking jolted him awake from his hangover.

“Who is it? What’s the racket so early?!” Jiang Mingyu grumbled irritably.

“My lord, wake up! Something terrible has happened in Xicheng!” Wu Xiao’s anxious voice came from outside.

Jiang Mingyu opened the door, half-asleep. Wu Xiao panted: “The kilns in Xicheng—they were all built overnight! The workers are already ready to start!”

Jiang Mingyu snapped awake. He hurriedly dressed and rushed toward Xicheng in three strides.

Where there had been nothing the night before, kilns now stood tall—workers bustled inside.

The scene was utterly inexplicable.

As Jiang Mingyu stared in astonishment, Liu Yifei arrived—with Zhang Jiani.

Zhang Jiani’s cheeks were flushed; she avoided looking at Tu Kesiluo.

It seemed Liu Yifei had already told her about Tu Kesiluo’s feelings.

Jiang Mingyu watched silently, silently piecing together the connection.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Zhang Jiani struck first: “What are you staring at?”

Tu Kesiluo was speechless; he could only laugh awkwardly: “Nothing. Just… looking around.”

Zhang Jiani rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath: “Coward!”

Once again, the proof was clear—Liu Yifei’s abilities were no joke.

Seeing the kilns in operation, Wu Xiao, in charge of the coal mines, and Murong Yun, in charge of the iron mines, both bowed to Jiang Mingyu.

“My lord, we must return to our mines to oversee the work.”

But Jiang Mingyu, lost in thought, raised a hand, his voice cool and detached:

“No need. The coal and iron mines no longer require your oversight.”