Chapter 156: Early Proposal Visit

In the cold wind, Tu Tu Kesiluo said with concern.

"My lord, after we leave, what will become of Shangmu's business and its people? When Xi Xia invades, without our army, it will be in grave danger."

A trace of worry and reluctance flashed in his eyes; he knew Shangmu was their hometown and also their foundation. He did not want to see this place occupied and destroyed by the people of Xi Xia, nor did he want to see the common people here suffer and endure hardship.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded.

"You speak truly; these problems must be resolved. The kiln workshops concern military funds and cannot have any mishaps; Shangmu is the root and cannot be easily exposed."

A trace of determination and decisiveness flashed in his eyes; he knew this was the prerequisite and guarantee for his rebellion. He could not allow any crisis or loophole to appear in his rear, nor could he allow his source of wealth to be cut off and exhausted.

He narrowed his eyes in thought, and after a long while, he spoke.

"The best strategy is to recruit tens of thousands more troops to garrison the place. With silver, manpower is no problem; with manpower, business will naturally be stable."

His tone was firm and confident; he knew this was a feasible and effective plan. He had enough silver to recruit soldiers and enough prestige to command them. As long as he left behind a strong and loyal force, he could safeguard the safety and interests of Shangmu.

Tu Tu Kesiluo hesitated and said.

"Finding a person who can be entrusted with weighty responsibilities to guard the city is not easy. This matter should not be dragged out too long; please, my lord, think it over three times."

His tone was worried and cautious; he knew this was a difficult yet critical issue. He did not know if Jiang Jiang Mingyu had suitable and reliable generals to garrison Shangmu, nor did he know if Jiang Jiang Mingyu had enough time to arrange this matter. He only knew this matter must be handled as soon as possible and properly.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily.

"Rest assured, when the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten out naturally; there will always be a candidate. The most urgent thing right now is to rush back to Huicheng to complete the great matter of our wedding. Only after establishing a family can one speak of building a career."

His laughter was relaxed and joyful, as if he had already thought through everything and did not care about these details. He only cared about his own wishes and happiness, wanting only to marry Liu Liu Yifei as his wife as soon as possible.

Before his words had fully faded, he perked up his spirit, whipped his mount, and galloped away. Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke no more, following at a fast gallop.

Two days later, the two finally returned to Shangmu. Seeing that everything in the city was as usual, Jiang Jiang Mingyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, determined to seize the time to stabilize the situation and fulfill his wish.

This is the text modified in the style of web novel author Yue Guan:

Jiang Jiang Mingyu returned to the city defense camp. Zhang Zhang Jiani was training troops against the wind and snow, while Zhu Ge Yu was studying ancient books. Jiang Jiang Mingyu recounted his journey to Regional Military Commissioner Yasmo once; Zhu Ge Yu scratched his head and said, "The problem is, how do we persuade these soldiers, originally common laborers, to participate in the rebellion? They may not easily accept it."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu said calmly, "I already have a countermeasure for this; in the future, I will persuade them well. Quickly, in the name of the Shangmu Order, recruit thirty thousand troops to garrison the city. Additionally, arrange for several people to take over the defense and business matters; there must be no lingering worries."

Tu Tu Kesiluo thought to himself, so the so-called countermeasure is just passing the buck to Zhu Ge Yu. Zhu Ge Yu thought for a moment and said, "There is a Sun Shangcheng in the camp who is fierce and brave, and his brain is not dull; he can be entrusted with weighty responsibilities to watch over Shangmu. However, his seniority is still shallow and needs cultivation. As for the business aspect, I truly cannot undertake it."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded: "Let you cultivate Sun Shangcheng; the business matter can be discussed later. Now there is an urgent matter—we are going to the Liu family to propose!" Having finished speaking, he grabbed Tu Tu Kesiluo and prepared to set off.

Zhu Ge Yu stood with his mouth agape: "Master, how can you be getting married so soon? I thought you were joking!" Having finished speaking, he went to change clothes, insisting on following along to join the fun.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, helpless, could only order Tu Tu Kesiluo to go fetch Zhang Zhang Jiani and her parents to go to the Liu family together.

The three arrived before the Liu family gate. Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, unable to hide the joy on his face. Being able to marry his beloved was his greatest wish in this life, and it would be realized tonight. He would surely spare no effort to spend the future hand in hand with his lover.

Tu Tu Kesiluo also followed behind with a red face, fearing he might speak out of turn and ruin the great happy day of my lord Jiang. Zhu Ge Yu was eager to try, seeming even more excited than Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

The three straightened their backs; Jiang Jiang Mingyu held the betrothal letter and pushed the door open to enter. Inside, the warm light was bright; Liu Liu Yifei was chatting and laughing with her parents. The moment she saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu arrive, her face turned red with shyness...

Half an hour later.

What, proposing marriage?

Looking at the betrothal gifts before them, Liu Ximen, who was always kind, and Zhang Zhang Jiani's parents, whom Jiang Jiang Mingyu had never seen before, were all very surprised.

Especially Zhang Zhang Jiani's father, Zhang Zhang Junhao, who, upon seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo's small appearance, directly pulled out several of his beard hairs.

He never dreamed in his wildest dreams that Zhang Zhang Jiani, who was always so proud, would take a fancy to such a feminine-looking man.

Yet Zhang Zhang Jiani's extremely rare shyness and her posture of keeping her head down and silent made Zhang Zhang Junhao realize that everything was true.

Seeing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, whose face was full of joy, was also incredibly surprised.

Truly unexpected; this usually fierce tigress also has such a shy side.

Is this still the same Zhang Zhang Jiani who, upon their first meeting, almost stabbed him to death with a sword?

Originally, Zhang Zhang Junhao and his wife were dead set against it, but after hearing Tu Tu Kesiluo introduce his family background, the two immediately put on smiling faces.

"Oh, young man, you are General Tu who led men deep into Xi Xia for over thirty li and slaughtered over ten thousand Xi Xia people."

"Although your appearance is a bit soft, you are absolutely worthy of my daughter Zhang Jiani; we agree to this marriage."

Amidst Tu Tu Kesiluo's joy, Liu Ximen, who had not spoken until now, also spoke with a smiling face.

"Since Brother Zhang has agreed, I, Liu Ximen, will not say much more."

"Do not think I am too rash; actually, I saw it long ago; this child Liu Yifei's heart has long flown to my lord Jiang."

"It is just that I did not expect my lord Jiang to come so soon."

Liu Liu Yifei, also with a red face, suddenly felt another wave of heat on her face.

"Father, what are you saying? How can you speak of your own daughter like that?"

Her voice was almost gone.

Seeing his daughter's heart was taken, Liu Ximen could not help but laugh aloud.

"Running to the county yamen whenever there is something or nothing, and even going to help at the kilns and workshops; do you really think your father's old eyes are dim?"

"Enough, a daughter must marry when she is grown; there is no need to be shy. Father has long been hoping you would have a good home to settle into."

"My lord Jiang, a good official who loves the people as his own children and is unmatched in the world; thus, let your matter be settled right here."

After quietly exchanging a glance with Jiang Jiang Mingyu, Liu Liu Yifei's small face, filled with joy, instantly turned redder.

Seeing that both sets of parents had agreed, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, while clasping his hands in thanks, also spoke in a deep voice.

"Thank you three for fulfilling us brothers, but there is one thing that Jiang Mou must mention."

When Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke these words, Zhang Zhang Junhao and his wife were looking Tu Tu Kesiluo up and down.

The two, who were originally dead set against this marriage, now looked at Tu Tu Kesiluo with increasing satisfaction.

They felt that although his appearance was rough, he was a hero and a hero of the world, capable of killing countless enemies on the battlefield and thriving in the officialdom. They felt he was a person of talent, virtue, affection, and righteousness, able to bring happiness and glory to their daughter.

Liu Ximen also wore a face full of gratification; he held great respect and trust for both Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo. He felt they were two people with ambition, ability, courage, and insight, capable of creating a career and miracles in this chaotic world. He felt they were two people with affection, righteousness, gratitude, and virtue, able to take good care of and protect their daughter.

Liu Liu Yifei and Zhang Zhang Jiani both wore faces of shyness; they held great liking and dependence for Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo. They felt they were two handsome, dashing, stylish, and charming men, capable of making their hearts flutter and falling in love. They felt they were two gentle, considerate, emotional, and romantic men, capable of making them happy and sweet.

All four parents had already agreed to this marriage; they only waited for Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo to express their own hearts before setting an auspicious date and conducting the wedding.

But Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly spoke, uttering something that surprised and worried everyone.

"Thank you three for accommodating us brothers, but there is one thing Jiang Mou must mention."

His voice was heavy and solemn, like a cold wind. His words were subtle and obscure, like a layer of mist. His demeanor was cautious and tense, like a trapped beast.

Everyone was startled by his words, not knowing what he would say. They could only watch him tensely, waiting for him to continue.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and spoke slowly.