Chapter 160

At dawn, a bitter north wind howled along Shangmu Street, carrying piercing cold. After bidding farewell at the county yamen, Jiang Mingyu led his troop out of the city garrison, only to be stunned by what he saw.

When he looked toward the street, a vast crowd of dark-clad civilians had gathered, forming a sea of people. Many waved at Jiang Mingyu, their eyes red, tears glistening at their corners. Their expressions seemed not like those bidding farewell to a rebel, but to a hero about to depart.

Jiang Mingyu had expected his departure would bring relief to the people of Shangmu, since they were branded as rebels by the court. Yet they bid him farewell in this manner. His nose stung, and warmth surged in his chest. He gazed at these people—old and young, men and women, rich and poor—who had crossed paths with him.

Some had worked in his kilns; others had learned in his workshops. They had changed their fates because of him, and bore the stigma of rebellion because of him.

Yet they bore him no resentment, abandoned him not, but expressed their gratitude and reverence with the most sincere emotions.

Zhu Ge Yu, witnessing this scene, sighed: "Such heartfelt goodwill is rare—even across the entire continent, unprecedented."

Old Sun, a villager who had once worked in Jiang Mingyu's kiln, gripped Jiang Mingyu's hand tightly as he prepared to leave, his voice heavy with worry and reluctance.

"My lord, take care of yourself out there." His lips, long dry, quivered before he managed to utter these words.

Old Sun was respected and esteemed in Shangmu, one of the first to support Jiang Mingyu in building his factories.

He had once been a destitute, mistreated old man unable to feed his family—but with Jiang Mingyu's help, he became a man of dignity and respect.

He knew what Jiang Mingyu's departure meant, and the dangers and hardships he would face.

He wished Jiang Mingyu safety, and hoped he would continue leading them toward a better future.

He saw Jiang Mingyu as his benefactor, and as family.

He repeatedly patted Jiang Mingyu's hand, his eyes brimming with unwillingness to let go.

Without Jiang Mingyu, where would Shangmu be today?

Jiang Mingyu's heart churned with mixed emotions; he pressed Old Sun's hand firmly and said in a low voice: "Thank you, dear elders, for your trust and kindness. Jiang Mou takes his leave."

With that, he forced himself onto his horse, his gaze resolute as he led his troops away.

Along both sides of the street, the townsfolk watched him go with red-rimmed eyes, silent for a long while. Jiang Mingyu turned back again and again, his heart aching to leave.

Long moments passed; he drew a deep breath and whipped his steed. He knew he must march south and north for the sake of all living beings—he could not linger for the sake of local sentiment.

The cold wind howled; the sound of hooves faded into distance. Jiang Mingyu looked back at Shangmu from horseback, his eyes filled with reluctance and resolve.

He believed Shangmu would remain safe under Li Goudan's protection. And Jiang Mou would surely return victorious, to meet his hometown folk once more!

Three days later, Jiang Mingyu's army entered Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner's seat. Murong Yunhai also escorted Jiang's family to the provincial capital. The Liu and Zhang Junhao families gradually relocated as well, transferring their business rights to Jiang Mingyu.

Wang Zhe, frantic with urgency, immediately handed over all of the Inspector's official seals and credentials to Jiang Mingyu.

Seeing Wang Zhe about to leave, Jiang Mingyu smiled and called out: "Brother Wang, wait a moment. How has the situation been these past days?"

Wang Zhe chuckled bitterly: "Since Tang Cheng's death, the Regional Military Commissioner's office has had no contact with the capital. We've heard Prince Qi is mobilizing troops to suppress Chen Tang's rebellion in Gui and Yi provinces—fierce fighting is underway—but little else is known."

Jiang Mingyu nodded understandingly: "Brother Wang, you've worked hard. I've entrusted the commissioner's affairs to the Liu and Zhang families—you may depart in peace."

"Should we need to consult further, I will arrange another meeting."

Wang Zhe bowed repeatedly in thanks, then strode out of the Inspector's residence he had lived in for years.

Jiang Mingyu stood at the entrance of the Inspector's residence, watching Wang Zhe's figure vanish around the street corner.

He smiled faintly, thinking to himself: Wang Zhe is truly clever—he knows when to leave and when to stay.

He turned and reentered the residence, walking into the main hall. A massive map had already been laid out, marking all counties and key locations within the Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner's jurisdiction.

Tu Kexiluo, Zhu Ge Yu, Murong Yunhai, and others were already present, awaiting Jiang Mingyu's orders.

Jiang Mingyu sat in the main seat, surveyed the room, and spoke: "Gentlemen, we now control Yasimo's provincial seat and Shangmu County—but this is not enough. To establish ourselves in Cangzhou, we must seize all five counties of the Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner's jurisdiction."

"Prince Qi is currently occupied suppressing rebels in Gui and Yi provinces and has not yet noticed our movements. But this won't last. Once he learns of us, he will surely send a newly appointed Cangzhou Military Commissioner to crush us."

"It will take at least a month for messengers to travel from the capital to Cangzhou. We must capture all five counties within this month, or we won't have sufficient strength to resist Prince Qi."

"Zhu Ge Yu, what do you think?"

Zhu Ge Yu rose and pointed at the map: "My lord speaks wisely. Our immediate task is to seize the five counties of Yasimo as swiftly as possible."

"Besides Shangmu, there are Jingyang, Dingtao, Dingtao, and Tenglong counties."

"Master, where shall we begin?"

Jiang Mingyu thought briefly, then smiled broadly.

"Then let us pay a visit to our old friend Song Yusheng."

"Strike the head to capture the bandits—no time to waste. Tu Kexiluo, muster two thousand men. At dawn tomorrow, march straight for Tenglong County."

Then Zhu Ge Yu spoke again.

Zhu Ge Yu added: "Master, since we're taking Tenglong County, I suggest leaving Xiao Er to guard the city, and sending Lord Murong and Miss Zhang to capture Jingyang."

Jiang Mingyu nodded in agreement: "Yes. Jingyang borders Tenglong County. If we take Jingyang and hold Shangmu, we control half of Yasimo."

As they discussed their plan, a haughty figure stormed into the hall. Zhang Jiani, furious, blurted: "Dog—" She quickly corrected herself: "Never mind, I'll call you Brother Jiang. Brother Jiang, I've taken command of the Yasimo garrison."

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, watching Zhang Jiani's confident demeanor: "Good. The two thousand city garrison troops have surrendered to us. Yasimo is now fully ours."

Zhang Jiani continued: "Yi Fei asked me to tell you she's been busy with the workshops these past days—don't disturb her."

Jiang Mingyu nodded, warmth rising in his chest. Yi Fei was his wife; she had quietly supported him, managing the workshops. He understood her burdens, and knew this was a critical moment—he must not distract her.

After spending one night at the Inspector's residence, Jiang Mingyu, accompanied by Tu Kexiluo and two thousand men, braved the wind and snow toward Tenglong County.

The next morning, Jiang Mingyu, Tu Kexiluo, and two thousand men set out for Tenglong County under wind and snow. They wore no armor, carried no weapons—only ordinary carts and horses, appearing like a group of merchants.

Without alerting anyone, they entered Tenglong County undetected. They headed straight for the county yamen, intending to find Song Yusheng first.

Tenglong County Yamen.

Hearing Jiang Mingyu had arrived, Song Yusheng—now even fatter—beamed and rushed out to greet him.

"Oh my, what wind has blown Brother Jiang here? Come in, come in!"

He grabbed Jiang Mingyu's hand and pulled him inside, talking as he walked.

"Oh my, what wind has blown Brother Jiang here? Come in, come in!"

"I thought you'd forgotten your old friend. Did you come with good news?"

In the main hall, Jiang Mingyu's gaze swept over Song Yusheng's smiling face. He swept his sleeve as if a storm were about to break.

"Tu Kexiluo, sit." Jiang Mingyu's voice was calm and firm.

No sooner had they seated than Song Yusheng's obsequious expression returned; he eagerly asked:

"My lord, what important matter brings you here?"

Jiang Mingyu slowly raised a finger and pointed to Song Yusheng's feet, speaking succinctly:

"I've come for your future."

Song Yusheng's interest instantly sparked; he pressed urgently:

"Brother Jiang, do you have good news for me?"

Before Jiang Mingyu could answer, he slapped his thigh excitedly:

"Regardless, Brother Jiang, let's drink two cups and celebrate!"

But Jiang Mingyu suddenly raised his hand, halting Song Yusheng's enthusiasm.

"No need for wine. I've come to request a favor—I wish to borrow something from you."

Song Yusheng immediately pledged: "Whatever you wish to borrow, I'll lend it without hesitation."

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, then said:

"I wish to borrow your official seal."

Song Yusheng didn't understand at first. Jiang Mingyu patiently explained:

"Put another way—I wish to borrow Tenglong County. If you agree, you may remain as county magistrate. If you refuse, your fate will change."

Suddenly, Tu Kexiluo drew his longsword and gently rested it against Song Yusheng's neck. The sudden turn froze Song Yusheng's smile.

"Brother Jiang, what does this mean? I'm a court-appointed magistrate. Taking my seal is rebellion!"

Jiang Mingyu watched Song Yusheng calmly, unconcerned: "You may not know—yesterday, the provincial capital fell to me. I didn't send troops because of our past friendship. Now, you need only decide: will you lend me the seal?"

Hearing this, Tu Kexiluo pressed his blade closer to Song Yusheng's neck. Song Yusheng trembled: "You've betrayed us? Brother Jiang, don't joke…"

Jiang Mingyu cut him off: "Enough talk. I ask you once more: will you lend me the seal—or not?"

As Song Yusheng opened his mouth to speak, the private secretary outside suddenly shouted:

"Help! Someone's trying to kill the magistrate! Help!"

The cry triggered a rush of footsteps; chaos erupted.

Jiang Mingyu and Tu Kexiluo remained calm; Song Yusheng was panicked.

After the secretary's cry, the hall descended into turmoil.

Jiang Mingyu's smile deepened. He looked at Song Yusheng and said lightly: "Time is short. Your decision? The seal—lend it, or not?"

The sudden shout brought rapid footsteps, and the scene instantly descended into chaos.

Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu remained calm, while Song Yusheng was already panicked.

After the Private Secretary's cry rang out, the entire hall erupted into chaos.

Jiang Mingyu's smile deepened further; he looked at Song Yusheng and said casually, "Time is short—what's your decision, Grand Seal? Will you lend it or not?"