Chapter 159: Winning the Army's Loyalty (Part 2)

Li Goudan, upon hearing this, burst into fury, his cheekbones trembling slightly: "What imperial seal? It's all nonsense! Without my lord, we would have long been swallowed by the Western Xia's wolfish ambitions!" His voice boomed like thunder, the sound waves surging through the air, provoking a powerful response.

His eyes burned like fire, passionate and resolute, as he glared at the crowd: "What more are you waiting for? My lord is in trouble, yet you cower and fawn over the new Emperor? Have you forgotten how my lord treated you? Without my lord, could we still be standing here today!" His voice was hoarse, thick with deep anger and unyielding spirit.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers' blood boiled; light shot from their eyes: "Goudan speaks truth! We should cut open our own sides to help my lord!" Their voices shook heaven and earth, as if a hot current surged through the crowd.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened to their voices, his heart filled with indescribable complexity.

"I know you have doubts: why do I rebel?" he continued, "It is not for power, nor for fame and profit. I do this for the future of Great Feng, for the common people oppressed and slaughtered by Hou Fei."

"You all know Hou Fei is a tyrant. He disregards the nation's righteousness, caring only for his own selfish interests. He colluded with the Western Xia, sold out our territory, and killed loyal ministers. He usurped the throne, abolished the court's laws, arbitrarily plundered the people's wealth, and harmed all living beings."

"Therefore, I have decided to rebel." When Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke these four words, a flash of determination crossed his eyes. "I know this is a road of no return. I know this is a bloody battle. But I have no other choice. I can only fight for the peace and tranquility of Great Feng."

"You are my subordinates, and also my brothers. You have fought side by side with me on the battlefield, and shared joy and sorrow with me in life. You are all heroes of Great Feng, each with your own families and loved ones."

"Therefore, I will not force you to follow me," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "You may choose to stay in Shangmu, protecting your homes and loved ones. Or you may choose to go with me, to face death together. Whatever choice you make, I will not blame you."

"But if you choose to follow me," Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice suddenly rose, "then you must be prepared to sacrifice everything! What we face is not merely Hou Fei's army, but also the foreign enemy of the Western Xia."

"What we face is a life-or-death battle, a war with no retreat. We must use our blood and lives to exchange for the freedom and glory of Shangmu. We must make Hou Fei know: he is not the master of Great Feng; he is only a criminal of Great Feng!"

"Are you ready?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked, his gaze burning like fire, passionate and resolute. "Are you willing to fight for Shangmu alongside me?"

His words reverberated through the air, provoking a powerful response.

His subordinates rose one by one, raising their weapons high, letting out earth-shattering shouts.

"We are willing!" they cried in unison. "We are willing to follow my lord and fight for Shangmu!"

"We will share life and death with my lord!" they declared again. "We will share glory and shame with my lord!"

"We will rebel against Hou Fei with my lord!" they shouted finally. "We will seize the throne with my lord!"

Their voices merged into one, shaking the hearts of all. Light shot from their eyes; their blood boiled within their bodies. They were ready to sacrifice everything; they were prepared to live and die with Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Looking at these incredibly loyal subordinates before him, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was deeply moved. He knew he was not fighting alone; he had so many brothers by his side. He knew he was not a failure; he had so many convictions in his heart.

He gathered his Qi and spoke: "Since your minds are made up, then let us raise our army in the name of purging the Emperor's evil counselors! I will certainly not betray your sincere hearts!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat again; his voice sounded somewhat hoarse in the cold wind. He knew he had reached the end; he had no retreat, and no choice.

"As for the situation in Shangmu, you need not worry," he said, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces, seeing their anxiety and unease. "You have seen the recruitment notice; that is for defending Shangmu."

As he spoke, he pulled a notice board from his chest, bearing the words: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu recruits thirty thousand elite soldiers to rebel against Hou Fei in the name of the late Emperor." He had hastily written this last night; early this morning, he sent people to plaster it all over the city, inside and out.

Then, he turned to Li Goudan.

"Goudan, my meaning is for you to remain in Shangmu, training the thirty thousand troops soon to arrive."

Li Goudan froze, looking at Jiang Jiang Mingyu in disbelief.

"You... you mean..." he stammered.

"Correct," Jiang Jiang Mingyu affirmed. "I mean for you to remain in Shangmu and drill the new recruits."

"As the weather gradually warms and the roads become increasingly passable, should any incident occur, I will return immediately." After speaking, a trace of reluctance and expectation flashed in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes.

Hearing this, Li Goudan immediately took a large step forward, gripping Jiang Jiang Mingyu's arm tightly, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect.

"Thank you for your trust, my lord. Shangmu is now in my hands; I will certainly not fail your heavy trust," he said, his voice revealing determination and confidence.

While nodding, Jiang Jiang Mingyu rolled his wide sleeve against the cold wind, revealing a dashing smile.

"Good. Pack your belongings; at first light tomorrow, we march on the Regional Military Commissioner of Yasmu," he said, his tone full of determination and fighting spirit.

When Jiang Jiang Mingyu walked out of the city defense camp, bright sunlight bathed him, illuminating his tall and resolute figure.

His gaze swept over the new recruits who had come to enlist: hundreds of young, ambitious faces, filled with expectation and longing.

He smiled slightly; this was the scene he had long awaited.

Tu Tu Kesiluo stood aside, his gaze revealing satisfaction and pride.

He chuckled softly, took a deep breath, and felt the vigorous energy of the new recruits. He spoke loudly: "The recruitment notice has been up for only one day, yet so many have come. The thirty thousand soldiers will be assembled very soon." His voice was loud and confident, as if heralding the call of victory.

However, Wu Xiaoer did not share Tu Tu Kesiluo's optimism; his brows were tightly furrowed, his expression worried. He walked to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's side and said cautiously: "I only wonder, after they learn we are rebelling, will they still be willing to stay in Shangmu?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned; his eyes revealed firmness and resolve: "No need to worry. Since so many already know of this matter, there is no need to hide it any longer." His voice was calm yet powerful, radiating confidence and decisiveness.

He turned to Zhu Ge Yu beside him: "Zhu Ge Yu, prepare another notice. Write out the causes and consequences of our rebellion, and all arrangements regarding business. Whether new soldiers or city commoners, whether they stay or leave, it depends on their own will." His tone was firm and clear, revealing his confidence in his own abilities and influence.

Shortly after, the notices plastered the city walls, and the entire city of Shangmu instantly erupted. People gathered together, discussing and debating this sudden news.

"What? My lord has rebelled? The entire city defense camp has rebelled? What is going on?" someone asked in shock, his eyes filled with incredulity.

"Then Shangmu cannot be lived in anymore; otherwise, won't we all become accomplices to the rebels?" someone else said worriedly, a look of concern on his face.

However, some held different opinions, trusting and respecting Jiang Jiang Mingyu. A brave voice rang out: "Didn't you see the notice say it was forced by that Prince Qi? My lord is a good official. Don't talk nonsense here; get lost."

"If not forced into this, would my lord have arranged our livelihoods before rebelling? What kind of person are you?" another person said angrily, his eyes flashing with indignation and determination.

The murmurs gradually grew frenzied, and the scene descended into chaos.

However, except for a few cowards, the vast majority ultimately decided to stay.

They felt gratitude; grateful for Jiang Jiang Mingyu's kindness, they chose to trust his leadership and decisions. The situation within the city defense camp was much the same; more soldiers decided to stay and throw themselves under Jiang Jiang Mingyu's banner. They trusted him and were willing to fight for him.

Meanwhile, Liu Ximen and Zhang Zhang Junhao were also busy. They quickly converted their assets into silver notes to prepare for the coming turmoil. Liu Ximen firmly signed the last contract, the silver notes in his hand lying heavily on the table. He glanced at Zhang Zhang Junhao; their eyes met, revealing firmness and resolve. They knew this nation would undergo massive changes, and they must be prepared to face the unknown challenges.