Chapter 139: New Business

As soon as Jiang Jiang Mingyu finished speaking, Lord Lord Murong and Wu Xiao2 immediately exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with confusion.

Their minds churned like a stormy sea, unable to comprehend Jiang Jiang Mingyu's sudden decision.

Lord Lord Murong frowned tightly, his right hand unconsciously stroking his beard, while his amber eyes flickered with a light of doubt.

His usually steady and wise countenance now displayed a rare hesitation.

Beside him, Wu Xiao2 was even more agitated; his eyes, which had previously held the naive air of a child easy to bully, were now wide open, and his breathing had become rapid.

He clenched both hands into fists and shook them tightly, as if struggling to control his emotions.

The two exchanged a glance, each seeing the same confusion and incomprehension in the other's eyes.

"My lord, this... did we do something wrong? Why do you wish to transfer us?" Wu Xiao2 could not help but ask, his voice trembling slightly.

Lord Lord Murong followed closely, saying, "Brother Jiang Xingqiu, your sudden change of mind leaves us utterly baffled. Please enlighten us."

"What I mean is, for the coal mines and iron mines, you must find suitable people to take over; they must be reliable."

"As for the two of you, from now on, you will go with Tu Tu Kesiluo to the City Defense Camp."

City Defense Camp, Lord Lord Murong, looking into Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes.

"What do we do at the City Defense Camp?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled somewhat forcedly and let out a deep sigh.

"You also know that the City Defense Camp has fifty thousand soldiers, but there are very few talents capable of leading troops."

"With no other choice, this official can only transfer the two of you back to lead troops for me at the City Defense Camp."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and continued speaking:

"Brother Lord Murong is wise and will surely manage the Scout Camp in perfect order; Wu Xiao2 has lofty ambitions and is brave and skilled in battle, and will surely lead the Long Spear Camp to unleash its maximum combat power."

Looking at Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes, which were as clear and deep as an abyss, a trace of shock unconsciously appeared on Wu Xiao2's rugged face.

His eyes flickered with longing and uncertainty for the future, like a torch burning in the darkness; though wavering, it resolutely illuminated the path ahead.

Going to the main camp to command troops is far more glorious than working as a foreman at the mines; there lies the symbol of power and the stage of glory.

Images of commanding with calmness in the main camp involuntarily floated through Wu Xiao2's mind; these were ideals and expectations he had never possessed before.

If he performed well in the future, perhaps when Jiang Jiang Mingyu was in a good mood, he might even become a Commandant; that would truly bring honor to his ancestors.

Thinking of this, Wu Xiao2's hands clenched tightly; his heartbeat clearly accelerated, and his eyes flickered with excitement and determination.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at him, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, then spoke with a tone of admonition. His voice was low and firm, like the north wind in deep winter, cold and merciless.

"Though that is the case, what Xiao2 lacks is truly too much; in certain aspects, he is not even as good as Goudan." His words struck directly at the pain point, making Wu Xiao2's heart tighten.

"This official does not mean to mock you; to become a suitable commander, you must go to the City Defense Camp and listen and observe more." His tone was serious, sharp as a blade.

"Learn martial arts diligently from Tu Tu Kesiluo, and learn strategy and military tactics from Zhu Ge Yu; this is the most basic requirement." His words were filled with expectation and heavy trust.

Immediately, he deliberately intensified his tone and said:

"If you perform well, your future will naturally be boundless, but if you show even the slightest slackness, this official will remove you at any time. Do you understand?" His words struck the heart like thunder.

Under his warning, both Wu Xiao2 and Lord Lord Murong hurriedly nodded, their eyes filled with firmness and determination.

"My lord, rest assured, we will certainly do our utmost." They responded in unison.

Yet, when thinking about the rough training and martial arts practice, the thin Wu Xiao2, resembling a monkey, showed obvious resistance; but under Jiang Jiang Mingyu's unyielding gaze, he bit his lower lip tightly and nodded silently.

Just as everyone went their separate ways to busy themselves, the guards responsible for duty at the yamen gate shouted and rode over on their fine horses.

"Your Excellency, people have arrived from the Prefect's Office; please return to the yamen immediately." His voice echoed in the clear air, carrying a hint of urgency.

During such a major New Year, why did Wang Zhe send someone? Jiang Jiang Mingyu was stunned.

"Did they say what it was about?" His eyebrows furrowed slightly, his puzzled eyes fixed on the front, and various possibilities involuntarily arose in his mind.

Could it be that Prince Qi and Tang Cheng had caused some trouble again? Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hand clenched unconsciously, his heart filled with vigilance and suspicion.

The guard quickly replied:

"The specifics are unclear; the messenger said it seems to be a matter of business." His voice carried a hint of nervousness and respect.

Hearing it was business, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but relax.

"Understood, this official will return immediately." His voice carried a hint of ease and resolve.

It must be Wang Zhe, eager to make silver, who could no longer wait for the porcelain in his hands; that old money-grubber. The corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, revealing a slight smile.

Saying this, he exchanged greetings with Liu Liu Yifei, who was still directing everyone, then hurriedly mounted his horse and rode away.

His figure cast a long shadow in the sunset glow, like a resolute sword waving across this land.

Upon returning to the county yamen, Jiang Jiang Mingyu saw that Master Jing's smile seemed deeper than ever before.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt puzzled in his heart but asked as if he did not care, "Master Jing, what honored matter brings you here this time?"

Master Jing respectfully bowed and said, "My lord Jiang, a few days ago, several coal bosses arrived at the Prefect's Office and requested your assistance. They possess large quantities of coal mines but constantly struggle with the ore smelting process. These days, their faces have turned pale, and they are truly in great distress. Fortunately, they heard that the Jiang family still has several coal mines with top-quality coal, perfectly suitable for smelting. Therefore, they have come to beg your lordship to personally take charge of this matter and lend your assistance. Of course, the remuneration will be commensurate with your workload."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu outwardly acted as if this was nothing unusual, but inwardly he weighed the pros and cons.

This business deal is rare; securing it would greatly increase his influence in this place.

However, Master Jing is a man with extremely deep schemes; one must carefully investigate his true intentions behind his words.

Thus, after much thought, he asked, "Master Jing, what are the remuneration conditions they offered, so we may discuss the details?"

Master Jing saw through the intentions of My Lord and hurriedly said, "My lord Jiang, their conditions this time are very generous. They only request that your lordship personally operate the entire ore smelting line; they will handle all other miscellaneous tasks themselves. However, after smelting is complete, they will give your lordship an additional twenty percent share of the output. This amounts to roughly fifty thousand taels of silver, which benefits both parties. Why does your lordship not consider it?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu lifted his teacup, took a small sip, and frowned slightly in thought.

His eyes were bright and sharp, his gaze like lightning, projecting an image of shrewdness and capability. His fingers occasionally tapped lightly on the cup rim, producing a crisp tapping sound.

Master Jing sat opposite, waiting respectfully, occasionally stroking the flowing white beard on his chin.

"A twenty percent premium is already considerable; if I work at full capacity, I can certainly complete the order within three months," Jiang Jiang Mingyu calculated quickly in his mind.

"Very well, it is settled." His eyes sharpened, his large hand waved, and his spirit soared high.

"I will begin preparations immediately and guarantee completion on schedule!" His tone was as firm as a rock.

"Please inform the Prefect upon your return that this official has accepted this business deal."

"This official will immediately order the construction of a workshop and the lighting of furnaces to smelt iron; a reply will be forthcoming in a few days."

As he spoke, he took out a silver note for 1,000 taels and, smiling, stuffed it into Master Jing's hand.

"Master Jing, having traveled all the way to Shangmu without rest, take this trifling sum of silver for tea."

Having accepted the silver, Master Jing left with a beaming smile, while Jiang Jiang Mingyu, unable to contain his eagerness, grabbed the brush.

Drafting documents, posting notices, and conscripting laborers.

After a set of assembly-line-like procedures, before nightfall, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's iron-smelting workshop had begun to take shape.

The blacksmith in charge of the iron smelting was named Zhang Cheng, a burly man in his 40s with bulging muscles all over.

Previously, he had always been in the city defense camp, responsible for forging military equipment; after receiving Jiang Jiang Mingyu's order, Tu Tu Kesiluo had sent him here.

To make Shangmu prosperous as quickly as possible, this time Jiang Jiang Mingyu not only conscripted over a hundred laborers with compensation but also recruited quite a few women.

Their sole task was to cook meals for the laborers at the kiln factory and the iron-smelting workshop.

And the one leading them was none other than Liu Liu Churan, whom Jiang Jiang Mingyu had saved twice before.

As the two workshops began their clanging and banging work, the entire city of Shangmu seemed to come fully alive.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu was quietly pondering something, a report suddenly arrived from the kiln factory: Miss Liu Liu Yifei requests an audience.

After riding a fast horse to the kiln factory, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's light footsteps echoed through the spacious workshop.

He followed the narrow corridor to the depths and saw Liu Liu Yifei standing alone before a blueprint, lost in thought; sunlight fell upon her Bai Xi profile, gilding her with a hazy halo of light.

Seeing no one else around, Jiang Jiang Mingyu quietly approached Liu Liu Yifei from behind; looking at her petite frame and snow-white profile, his heart gave a sudden flutter.

Although Liu Liu Yifei was young, she was experienced in handling affairs and worked with great diligence and care, making Jiang Jiang Mingyu feel an urge to tease her.

"Liu Yifei, have you missed me?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu teased with a grin. Having finished speaking, he reached out to pinch Liu Liu Yifei's chubby little face.

With a "swish," Liu Liu Yifei skillfully dodged Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hand. Blushing, she glared at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and pouted, "I am still working; how can you be so disrespectful!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily and deliberately teased her: "I am just showing concern for you; a young lady burying herself in hard work every day should also take a break!"

"That's enough!" Liu Liu Yifei glared at him, her face flushed and exceptionally cute.

She straightened her clothes and said shyly, "Stop fooling around; I called you here for a serious matter."