Chapter 157

Jiang Jiang Mingyu recounted the full story of the rebellion in a gentle tone; everyone was left dumbfounded, and Liu Ximen's face turned deathly pale as he asked in a trembling voice: "You... what you said... is it all true?"

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

Zhang Zhang Jiani's parents also revealed expressions of reluctance and disgust.

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

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked deeply at Liu Ximen, his expression calm yet revealing a kind of firmness: "Yes, every word I speak is the truth; Liu Liu Yifei already knows and agrees. The court situation can no longer accommodate us, and I am unwilling to implicate the innocent. If father-in-law has objections, I can only cancel this matter and will not force a smile upon you."

His only concern was Liu Liu Yifei; he did not wish for her to suffer any grievance.

Liu Liu Yifei's eyes were firm, and with a red face she said: "Father, I have already decided on Jiang Jiang Mingyu; whether he is a hero or a rebel prisoner, my heart will never change. Please grant us your blessing!"

Her voice, though weak, revealed a kind of stubbornness and determination.

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

Liu Ximen shook his head helplessly: "Since this is what you wholeheartedly chose, I, your father, have no objection. I only hope you will have no regrets in the future and do not come to regret it."

His words carried a trace of sorrow and helplessness.

He knew his daughter's character was stubborn and would not easily change her mind; he could only wish her happiness.

Liu Liu Yifei looked at Jiang Jiang Mingyu with deep affection: "I will never regret it."

Firmness and courage shone in her eyes. She believed in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's talent and justice and was willing to share hardships with him.

A heavy stone was lifted from Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart; he thanked Liu Ximen three times. Although Liu Ximen agreed to the marriage, worry was hard to hide between his brows.

He knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu's move carried extreme risk and did not know if it would succeed.

In Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hands were only fifty thousand troops; if they were defeated here, the result would inevitably be the extermination of nine generations.

And as Jiang Jiang Mingyu's father-in-law, at that time, I'm afraid the entire Liu family of dozens would hardly escape death.

A great mountain seemed pressed upon his heart, making his breathing somewhat difficult.

But he knew Liu Liu Yifei's character very well.

This girl appeared soft and weak, but deep inside, she possessed a character that said one and did two. If Liu Ximen opposed too violently, who knew what this girl might do once she got angry?

Therefore, besides betting the entire family's fate for his daughter's happiness, Liu Ximen had absolutely no other choice.

Seeing that her father had finally agreed, Liu Liu Yifei's small face once again turned as red as peach blossoms in the third month.

Tears shimmered in her eyes, yet mixed with firmness and happiness. She leaned gently against Jiang Jiang Mingyu's shoulder, feeling his warm and strong embrace. She knew he was about to face a life-or-death battle, but she also decided to share hardships with him and never leave his side.

While their family of three chatted warmly, Tu Tu Kesiluo's slender eyes were also quietly watching Zhang Zhang Jiani's parents.

Having also become a rebel, he was obviously waiting for the reply of this father-in-law who might strike at any moment.

Zhang Zhang Jiani's parents exchanged a quiet glance, then said with great helplessness: "Since Brother Liu has already spoken thus, we will not say much more. As for whether this marriage can succeed, it still depends on Zhang Jiani's will; Tu Tu Kesiluo, do you understand what I mean?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo could not understand any more clearly; at such a critical moment, he abandoned his previous shyness and asked Zhang Zhang Jiani directly: "Zhang Jiani, are you willing to marry me as your wife?"

Seeing Liu Liu Yifei risk everything for Jiang Jiang Mingyu, the tsundere Zhang Zhang Jiani also blushed once again.

She had intended to refuse Tu Tu Kesiluo's proposal, but seeing his sincere and expectant eyes, her heart wavered somewhat.

She recalled the days they spent together in the city defense camp, remembered him blocking arrows for her, saving her life, giving her flowers, delivering letters... she discovered she did not feel nothing for him.

Under her parents' questioning and expectant gazes, Zhang Zhang Jiani stammered: "I... I just want... want to stay by Liu Yifei's side... As for... as for you... you... I am willing." Saying this, she lowered her head, afraid to see Tu Tu Kesiluo's reaction.

Hearing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo immediately jumped three feet high and suddenly hugged Jiang Jiang Mingyu beside him.

He said excitedly: "My lord, Zhang Jiani agreed, did you hear? She agreed." His eyes were full of joy and gratitude, as if he had received the most precious treasure in the world.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, with a face full of disgust, pushed the excited Black-faced Yama aside.

He said helplessly: "If you want to hug, go hug your Zhang Jiani; I have no interest in you." He thought, this fellow was too unperceptive; at such an important moment, he still came to disturb his and Liu Yifei's sweetness.

"Elders, I have one more matter to discuss. After the main army leaves, Shangmu will be weak and alone, likely to suffer raids from Other Xi Xia. I have arranged follow-up measures, but time is still needed. For safety's sake, please accompany me to the provincial city to reside, avoiding entanglement."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice echoed in the hall; his eyes were firm yet heavy. He knew this was a difficult choice and also a dangerous gamble. He was not only responsible for his and Liu Liu Yifei's marriage but also for the safety of Liu Ximen and Zhang Zhang Jiani's parents.

He could not guarantee whether they could reach the provincial city safely, nor could he guarantee whether they would remain safe within the provincial city.

But he had no other choice; he must take them away from Shangmu, otherwise, once the people of Other Xi Xia discovered their identities, they would suffer a catastrophic disaster.

Liu Liu Yifei stood beside Jiang Jiang Mingyu, holding his hand tightly; tears shimmered in her eyes, yet mixed with firmness and support.

She knew how much pressure Jiang Jiang Mingyu bore; she also knew everything he did was for her and her father.

She did not want to trouble Jiang Jiang Mingyu nor let her father worry. She only wanted to follow Jiang Jiang Mingyu, sharing life and death together. She softly echoed:

"Father, you are old and frail; your daughter is about to follow her husband. How can I rest easy leaving you alone here? The provincial city has an excellent environment, and we will care for you; please come with us."

Liu Ximen looked at his daughter's gentle yet firm eyes; his heart was a mixture of five flavors. He was happy that his daughter could find someone who truly loved her, yet worried about the unknown risks she was about to face. He was moved that Jiang Jiang Mingyu would spare no effort for his daughter, yet worried about Jiang Jiang Mingyu being drawn into the political whirlpool. He wanted his daughter to marry Jiang Jiang Mingyu happily, yet also wanted her to stay safely in Shangmu. He did not know how to choose and could only look to Zhang Zhang Junhao for help.

"Brother Zhang, what is your opinion?"

Zhang Zhang Junhao was Liu Ximen's business partner of many years and also Liu Liu Yifei's uncle.

He greatly appreciated the feelings between Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Liu Liu Yifei and also deeply admired Jiang Jiang Mingyu's talent.

But he also understood the predicament and dangers Jiang Jiang Mingyu faced.

He did not want Liu Ximen and Liu Liu Yifei to fall into difficulty, nor did he want to lose a good friend. Weighing the pros and cons, he finally said:

"Your words are reasonable; staying here might burden everyone. Going to the provincial city can help manage the business; it achieves two goals with one move."

Zhang Zhang Junhao did not say this entirely out of self-interest. He knew the Shangmu workshop was a business Jiang Jiang Mingyu had built up and already possessed certain prestige and influence in Shangmu.

If the Shangmu workshop could be relocated to the provincial city, it would not only expand the business scale but also provide Jiang Jiang Mingyu with a stable rear base.

He felt this was a suggestion beneficial to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and also an arrangement beneficial to Liu Ximen and Liu Liu Yifei.

Hearing Zhang Zhang Junhao's words, Liu Ximen breathed a slight sigh of relief. He knew Zhang Zhang Junhao acted for their benefit and also knew Zhang Zhang Junhao had the ability to help Jiang Jiang Mingyu. He nodded to indicate agreement.

"Very well, we depart for the provincial city tomorrow morning."

At this moment, Zhu Ge Yu spoke up: "The two elders are proficient in the ways of commerce; why not relocate the Shangmu workshop to the provincial city for operation? Shangmu's development space is limited, while the provincial city has boundless prospects. We can also wage war outside without worrying about the rear."

Zhu Ge Yu was Jiang Jiang Mingyu's disciple and also his military strategist. He trusted Jiang Jiang Mingyu's plans and decisions greatly and also greatly blessed the marriage between Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Liu Liu Yifei. But he also cared about Jiang Jiang Mingyu's business and the common people. He did not want Jiang Jiang Mingyu's business to suffer nor did he want the people of Shangmu to suffer. He proposed a plan that could ensure both business development and the people's peaceful living.

"But if the people of Shangmu have no business, will they not fall into poverty again?" Liu Liu Yifei asked with concern.

Although she was a woman, she also had some understanding of commerce. She knew the Shangmu workshop was the main source of income for the people of Shangmu; if the workshop was moved away, the people would lose their livelihood. She did not want Jiang Jiang Mingyu to neglect the people's interests for her sake, nor did she want to bear the guilt of conscience for marrying Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood and smiled: "Liu Yifei, you have hit the nail on the head. We will keep the kiln factory, let the people plant cotton, and engage in trade of hand-woven cloth. Weaving cotton cloth will allow the elderly, weak, women, and children to support themselves; they will surely no longer suffer."

He did not say this merely to make a casual reply. He had considered this problem long ago and already had a solution. He knew cotton was an important economic crop that could provide multiple products such as fiber, oil, and fodder. He knew hand-woven cloth was a rough fabric woven from cotton fibers, also called coarse cloth or summer cloth. Hand-woven cloth was a traditional Chinese folk handicraft with a long history. Processing hand-woven cloth mainly included spinning, weaving, and dyeing, requiring vast amounts of manpower and resources. Trade in hand-woven cloth was an important part of the ancient Chinese rural economy and an effective way for farmers to increase their income.

If the people of Shangmu could be made to plant cotton and engage in trade of hand-woven cloth, it would not only guarantee their livelihood but also provide Jiang Jiang Mingyu with a stable income. Moreover, hand-woven cloth had advantages such as durability, warmth, and sweat absorption, creating widespread demand in the market. If the hand-woven cloth could be transported to the provincial capital or other places for sale, it would complement the Shangmu workshops, achieving a win-win situation.

Liu Ximen and Zhang Zhang Junhao, upon hearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's words, could not help but admire his vision and talent. They felt Jiang Jiang Mingyu was not only a hero but also a commercial genius. Their trust and respect for Jiang Jiang Mingyu deepened another layer. They all expressed agreement and stated their willingness to assist Jiang Jiang Mingyu in implementing this plan.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, with killing intent surging, said: "As for Other Xi Xia, once my great cause is firmly established, I will personally destroy Other Xi Xia!"

His words revealed an unyielding and heroic spirit; his eyes flashed with a touch of coldness and sharpness; his body radiated a powerful and majestic aura. Liu Liu Yifei smiled and agreed: "Good! Let it be settled thus."

Her words revealed a touch of gentleness and support; her eyes flashed with a hint of tenderness and admiration; her body radiated a charm and allure.

Tu Tu Kesiluo also spoke with ambitious hunger: "By then, I too will personally lead the campaign to cut off the roots of the Other Xi Xia people for my lord!"

His words revealed a surge of blood and passion; his eyes flashed with a touch of bravery and decisiveness; his body radiated a sternness and strength.

Zhang Zhang Jiani, imitating Liu Liu Yifei's tone, spoke in a coquettish voice: "Tutu, well said, let's do just that!"

Her words revealed a touch of playfulness and wit; her eyes flashed with a hint of childish innocence and cuteness; her body radiated liveliness and agility.

The two characters "Tutu" made Jiang Jiang Mingyu spit out his tea. It turned out that beneath Zhang Zhang Jiani's tsundere exterior lay a truly comical nature!

Looking at Zhang Zhang Jiani's flushed face, which showed a mix of anger and laughter, shame and rage, cuteness and annoyance, he could not help but feel pity. It turned out this girl also had a soft and fragile side, one that needed care and protection, that longed for love and happiness, and that did not wish to be bound or hurt. He felt he owed something to Tu Tu Kesiluo and also felt he lacked something regarding Zhang Zhang Jiani.

He decided to create a beautiful and stable future for this lovely and strong couple, who supported and loved each other, faced challenges bravely without retreating, and advanced and retreated together without separating.

After the matter was concluded, the three took their leave. Jiang Jiang Mingyu returned to his official residence; the night was already deep. Sitting by the window, watching the snow fluttering down, a soft warm current surged in his heart.

Liu Yifei, my soulmate, my beloved, I have finally waited for this day! From now on, I will use my entire life to guard you and care for you. No matter how difficult the environment, my heart will never change.

Tu Tu Kesiluo, my good brother, I will also go all out to ensure your safety. We will move forward together and surely create an empire of our own!

I must also protect the people of Shangmu from the sea of bitterness, letting them live happy and prosperous lives. Other Xi Xia's foolish ruler, I will surely seek justice for the people and make you repay the blood debt you owe!

Bathed in the bright moonlight, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart surged with emotion, his chest overflowing with heroic spirit. He believed that as long as he did not forget his original intention and forged ahead with determination, he would surely achieve a great cause and bring glory to his ancestors.

That night, he fell into a deep sleep, his dreams filled entirely with a beautiful future...