Chapter 157: Persuading the Father-in-Law

Jiang Mingyu recounted the origins of the rebellion in detail; all who listened were stunned, and Liu Ximen turned deathly pale, trembling as he asked: "You… you're saying this is all true?"

His heart felt as if pierced by knives—his own daughter was about to marry a rebel.

Zhang Jiani's parents also showed expressions of pity and revulsion.

They all knew what the words "rebel" meant in this chaotic age.

Jiang Mingyu gazed deeply at Liu Ximen, his expression calm yet radiating resolve: "Yes, every word I spoke is true. Yi Fei is fully aware and agrees. The court is no longer a place we can endure, and I refuse to drag the innocent into this. If you object, I will cancel this match—no forcing smiles."

His only concern was Liu Yifei; he would not let her suffer any hardship.

Liu Yifei's eyes were firm, her face flushed: "Father, I have long chosen Jiang Mingyu. Whether he is a hero or a rebel prisoner, my heart will never change. Please, Father, grant us your blessing!"

Her voice was soft, yet carried an unyielding, resolute strength.

Her feelings for Jiang Mingyu had long transcended life and death.

Liu Ximen sighed helplessly: "If this is truly your heart's choice, I have no objection. I only hope you never regret it."

His words carried a trace of sorrow and helplessness.

He knew his daughter's stubborn nature—she would not easily change her mind. All he could do was wish her happiness.

Liu Yifei gazed tenderly at Jiang Mingyu: "I will never regret it."

Her eyes sparkled with determination and courage. She believed in Jiang Mingyu's talent and justice, and was willing to share his trials.

Jiang Mingyu felt a great weight lift from his chest and bowed three times to Liu Ximen. Though Liu Ximen had agreed to the marriage, his brow remained clouded with worry.

He knew Jiang Mingyu's gamble carried immense risk—success was far from certain.

Jiang Mingyu commanded only fifty thousand troops; defeat in this war meant total annihilation of his nine clans.

As Jiang Mingyu's future father-in-law, Liu Ximen feared that all dozens of his own family members might be slaughtered along with him.

His heart felt crushed beneath a mountain—he could barely breathe.

Yet he understood his daughter's character all too well.

This girl appeared delicate, but deep inside, she was stubborn to the core. If he opposed her too fiercely, who knew what she might do in her anger?

So Liu Ximen had no choice but to stake his entire family's fate on his daughter's happiness.

Seeing her father finally yield, Liu Yifei's face flushed again, as red as peach blossoms in March.

Tears shimmered in her eyes, yet they held determination and joy. She leaned gently against Jiang Mingyu's shoulder, feeling his warm, strong embrace. She knew he faced a battle of life and death—but she had decided to stand by him, through thick and thin.

As the family chatted warmly, Tuxesiluo's narrow eyes quietly watched Zhang Jiani's parents.

He, too, now a rebel, clearly waited for the same possible rejection from his own father-in-law.

Zhang Jiani's parents exchanged a silent glance, then sighed helplessly: "Since Brother Liu has spoken thus, we have nothing more to say. Whether this marriage happens depends on Jiani's will—Tuxesiluo, you understand me?"

Tuxesiluo understood perfectly. At this critical moment, he shed his earlier hesitation and turned directly to Zhang Jiani: "Jiani, will you marry me?"

Watching Liu Yifei's boldness, the proud Zhang Jiani blushed again.

She had intended to refuse Tuxesiluo's proposal—but seeing his earnest, hopeful gaze, her heart wavered.

She recalled their days together in the city guard, how he shielded her from arrows, saved her life, sent her flowers and letters… She realized she had feelings for him after all.

Under her parents' questioning, hopeful gazes, Zhang Jiani stammered: "I… I just wanted… to stay by Yifei's side… as for you… you… I agree." She lowered her head, afraid to look at Tuxeslu's reaction.

Upon hearing this, Tuxesiluo leapt three feet in the air and suddenly hugged Jiang Mingyu.

He cried out, ecstatic: "My lord, Jiani agreed! Did you hear? She agreed!" His eyes brimmed with joy and gratitude—as if he had gained the most precious treasure in the world.

Jiang Mingyu, face twisted in disgust, shoved the excited Black-faced Yama aside.

He sighed: "If you want to hug, hug your Jiani. I'm not interested in you." He thought: this fool has no sense—he's interrupting my precious moment with Yifei.

"Elders, I have another matter to discuss. After our army departs, Shangmu will be weak and vulnerable to Western Xia raids. I've made backup plans, but they need time. For safety's sake, I ask you all to relocate to the state capital—avoid being drawn into danger."

Jiang Mingyu's voice echoed through the hall; his gaze was firm and heavy. He knew this was a painful choice—and a dangerous gamble. He bore responsibility not only for his own and Liu Yifei's marriage, but for the safety of Liu Ximen and Zhang Jiani's parents.

He could not guarantee they would reach the capital safely, nor that they would remain unharmed there.

But he had no other choice. He must take them away from Shangmu—or if Western Xia discovered their identities, they would face utter destruction.

Liu Yifei stood beside Jiang Mingyu, gripping his hand tightly. Her eyes shimmered with tears, yet held unwavering support.

She knew the immense pressure he bore—and that everything he did was for her and her father.

She did not wish to burden him, nor worry her father. She only wished to follow Jiang Mingyu, through life and death. She whispered in agreement:

"Father, you are aging and frail. I am to leave with my husband—how can I let you stay alone here? The capital offers better conditions, and we will care for you. Please come with us."

Liu Ximen looked at his daughter's gentle yet resolute gaze, his heart a storm of emotions. He was glad she had found true love, yet terrified of the unknown dangers ahead. He was moved by Jiang Mingyu's devotion, yet anxious about the political storm he would face. He wanted his daughter to marry Jiang Mingyu—but also to remain safe in Shangmu. He did not know how to choose, and turned helplessly to Zhang Junhao.

"Brother Zhang, what do you think?"

Zhang Junhao was Liu Ximen's longtime business partner and Liu Yifei's uncle.

He deeply admired Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yifei's bond, and held great respect for Jiang Mingyu's talent.

Yet he also understood the peril Jiang Mingyu faced.

He did not wish to see Liu Ximen and Liu Yifei trapped in danger, nor lose a dear friend. Weighing the pros and cons, he finally said:

"You speak wisely. Staying here only burdens everyone. Moving the Shangmu workshop to the capital will help manage business—two benefits in one."

Zhang Junhao spoke not purely from self-interest. He knew the Shangmu workshop had been built by Jiang Mingyu and had already gained reputation and influence there.

Relocating it to the capital could expand its scale and provide Jiang Mingyu with a stable rear base.

He believed this was a proposal beneficial to Jiang Mingyu—and to Liu Ximen and Liu Yifei as well.

Hearing Zhang Junhao's words, Liu Ximen breathed a little easier. He knew Zhang Junhao had their best interests at heart and possessed the ability to aid Jiang Mingyu. He nodded in agreement.

"Good. We leave for the capital tomorrow morning."

At this moment, Zhuge Yu spoke: "Elders, you are masters of commerce. Why not relocate the Shangmu workshop to the capital? Shangmu's growth is limited; the capital holds limitless potential. Our troops can march without worry."

Zhuge Yu was Jiang Mingyu's disciple and strategist. He trusted Jiang Mingyu's plans completely and blessed his marriage to Liu Yifei. Yet he also cared for Jiang Mingyu's business and the people. He did not wish to see the workshop suffer or the people of Shangmu starve. He proposed a solution that ensured both business growth and civilian stability.

"But if the people of Shangmu lose their workshop, won't they fall back into poverty?" Liu Yifei asked anxiously.

Though a woman, she understood commerce. She knew the Shangmu workshop was the people's main livelihood—if moved, they would lose their income. She did not want Jiang Mingyu to neglect the people's welfare for her sake, nor bear the guilt of marrying him at their expense.

Jiang Mingyu smiled knowingly: "Yifei, you hit the mark. We keep the kilns. Let the people grow cotton and process it into coarse cloth for trade. Weaving cloth lets the elderly, weak, and women support themselves—they will no longer suffer."

He spoke not lightly—he had long considered this and already devised a solution. He knew cotton was a vital economic crop, yielding fiber, oil, and feed. He knew coarse cloth—made from cotton fibers—was also called rough cloth or summer cloth, a traditional Chinese handicraft with deep roots. Its production involved spinning, weaving, and dyeing—labor-intensive processes. Coarse cloth trade was a vital part of ancient rural economies and an effective way for farmers to increase income.

If the people of Shangmu grew cotton and processed it into coarse cloth, their livelihoods would be secured—and Jiang Mingyu would gain steady income. Coarse cloth was durable, warm, and sweat-absorbent, with broad market demand. Selling it to the capital or beyond would complement the workshop's operations, creating mutual benefit.

Liu Ximen and Zhang Junhao were awed by Jiang Mingyu's vision and talent. They saw him not only as a hero, but a business genius. Their trust and respect for him deepened further. They both agreed wholeheartedly and pledged to assist him in implementing the plan.

Jiang Mingyu's voice turned fierce: "As for Western Xia—once my cause is secure, I will personally crush them!"

His words carried unyielding boldness; his eyes gleamed with cold sharpness; his presence radiated mighty authority. Liu Yifei smiled warmly in agreement: "Good! It's settled."

Her voice carried tenderness and support; her eyes sparkled with affection and admiration; her demeanor exuded grace and charm.

Tuxesiluo declared with fiery resolve: "Then I too will lead the charge—cut off Western Xia's roots for you, my lord!"

His words burned with blood and passion; his eyes flashed with bravery and decisiveness; his body radiated strength and resilience.

Zhang Jiani mimicked Liu Yifei's tone, cooing: "Tu Tu, well said! Let's do it!"

Her voice carried mischief and playfulness; her eyes sparkled with childish charm; her whole being radiated liveliness and spirit.

The words "Tu Tu" made Jiang Mingyu spit out his tea. Apparently, beneath Zhang Jiani's proud exterior lay a comical soul!

He looked at her flushed face—angry, laughing, embarrassed, furious, yet undeniably adorable—and felt a surge of tenderness. He realized this girl, too, had a soft, fragile heart—needing care, protection, love, and happiness, fearing restraint and pain. He felt he owed Tuxesiluo more, and had shortchanged Zhang Jiani.

He resolved to create a beautiful, stable future for this pair—loving, courageous, inseparable, standing shoulder to shoulder against all odds.

When matters were settled, the three took their leave. Jiang Mingyu returned to his official residence; night was deep. He sat by the window, watching the swirling snow, a warm current rising in his heart.

Yifei, my soulmate, my beloved—I've finally reached this day! From now on, I will spend my life protecting and cherishing you. No matter how harsh the world, my heart will never change.

Tuxesiluo, my true brother—I will do everything to keep you safe. Together, we will build our own empire!

I will also free the people of Shangmu from suffering, granting them happiness and prosperity. Western Xia's corrupt ruler—I will make him pay for every drop of blood he has spilled!

Bathed in the clear moonlight, Jiang Mingyu's heart surged with passion. He believed that if he held fast to his original aspiration and pressed forward, he would surely achieve greatness and bring glory to his ancestors.

That night, he slept deeply, dreaming of a bright future…