Chapter 165

Tukeslo gazed at the sky where the northern wind had begun to warm, yet his heart was filled with worry.

"It's been days since I last saw her—I wonder how Jiani is doing now?" he muttered to himself.

He hadn't seen Jiani's figure in days and didn't know whether she was safe amid the battle in Jingyang County.

He remembered her bright eyes, her lively mouth, her unyielding spirit, and the tenderness of holding her in his arms. His heart ached with longing—he longed to race to her side, embrace her, kiss her, and tell her just how much he missed her.

Jiang Mingyu watched his expression and couldn't help laughing. He clapped Tukeslo on the shoulder and said softly, "Relax. Jiani is with Cloud of the Murong—the battle in Jingyang County must already be over. When we return, we'll surely see her."

At these words, Tukeslo's eyes flickered with a hint of joy, but it was quickly swallowed by concern.

He frowned and said, "You make it sound easy, my lord. Jiani's a troublemaker—being with Cloud of the Murong doesn't guarantee her safety. What if she stirs up trouble or gets bullied? I can't bear the thought of her suffering even a little."

Jiang Mingyu shook his head helplessly. "You're overthinking. Jiani isn't someone easily bullied. Don't you know her abilities? She's the heroine who cut down an enemy Commandant with a single sword. Besides, Cloud of the Murong isn't a fool—he won't let her come to harm. Just calm down. As long as your Jiani doesn't cause trouble while away, she's already doing well."

Hearing Jiang Mingyu's words, Tukeslo felt slightly reassured—but he still grumbled and turned his face away. He silently vowed that when he saw Jiani again, he would tell her exactly how worried he had been.

At noon the next day, the two finally returned to Yasmo Regional Military Commissioner's office. Jiang Mingyu went to the Inspector's mansion to handle military affairs, while Tukeslo hurried off to find his Jiani.

As Jiang Mingyu stepped into the Inspector's mansion hall, he saw Zhuge Yu already waiting for him. Zhuge Yu hurried forward to bow. "Master has returned."

Jiang Mingyu nodded, gesturing for Zhuge Yu to sit. Then he asked, "How is the battle in Jingyang County?"

Zhuge Yu smiled. "Master, rest easy—Jingyang County has fallen."

Jiang Mingyu's face lit up. "Really? That's excellent! How was it taken? Tell me."

Zhuge Yu spread his palms. "Actually, it was no trouble at all. County Magistrate Cheng Qian had old ties with Brother Cloud of the Murong and knew nothing of our uprising—he simply opened the city gates and let our army enter. The only resistance came from Jingyang's Commandant, whom Miss Zhang slew with one sword. The thousand-plus troops surrendered easily. Cheng Qian seems quite reliable, so I've left him in charge. If Master finds him unsuitable, you may replace him anytime."

Jiang Mingyu silently praised the achievements of Cloud of the Murong and Zhang Jiani. He nodded. "If he's loyal to our cause and governs well, let him stay. We're short on personnel, and Jingyang connects directly to the provincial capital—it won't cause major problems."

Zhuge Yu breathed a sigh of relief at Jiang Mingyu's approval. He then asked, "When does Master plan to attack Dongping and Dingtao?"

Jiang Mingyu paused a moment. "Time waits for no one. Tomorrow, we split up. I'll take Tukeslo to Dingtao; Brother Cloud of the Murong and Jiani will go to Dongping. You remain to guard the provincial capital."

Zhuge Yu hesitated. "Master, is it wise for you to lead personally?"

Jiang Mingyu saw his concern and replied calmly, "I've learned much from you over time. A single county—if I can't take it, how can I ever hope to build a great cause? Don't worry."

Zhuge Yu nodded. "With Master's resolve and vision, I have no doubt. But the King of Qi may hear news at any moment. Once the new Governor of Cangzhou arrives—or the King of Qi's army comes—the situation will shift. We must act swiftly."

As they spoke, a soldier reported: "Miss Liu requests an audience."

Jiang Mingyu's eyes brightened—had his future bride missed him after all these days?

He immediately told Zhuge Yu to handle the rest and hurried off to see Liu Yifei.

Jiang Mingyu entered the room to find Liu Yifei standing by the window, gazing into the distance in quiet thought. She wore a pale purple gown, her graceful profile glowing faintly in the sunset, her eyes shadowed with worry.

Jiang Mingyu called softly, "Yifei."

Liu Yifei snapped back to awareness, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Xingqiu." She bowed slightly.

Jiang Mingyu stepped forward and took her hand. "Yifei, you needn't be so formal. Whatever's on your mind, tell me."

Liu Yifei looked up at Jiang Mingyu, her eyes reflecting his strong, handsome face. She whispered, "Xingqiu, you've been leading campaigns everywhere lately—I'm deeply anxious and don't know what to do."

Jiang Mingyu spoke gravely. "Yifei, I understand your distress. But I must be on the front lines to earn respect and unite our people. You've known me long enough—you know my ambitions aren't small. I will build a great cause. I ask for your understanding and support."

Liu Yifei nodded gently, her eyes filled with reluctance. "Xingqiu, I understand your purpose. But this is life and death—please think carefully. Perhaps you could leave behind a elite unit and command from behind."

Jiang Mingyu's tone turned serious. "Yifei, I must be on the front lines to truly grasp the art of warfare and cultivate my command abilities. Only by leading personally can I survive in this chaotic age. This is vital to our great cause. I ask you to understand my position."

Tears welled in Liu Yifei's eyes as she whispered softly, "Xingqiu, your servant understands. Please be careful on your journey and return victorious soon. I will hold the provincial capital and wait for your safe return."

Jiang Mingyu's eyes also softened with reluctance. He tightened his grip on her hand. "With your support, I have no worries. I will return safely."

"By the way, there's been trouble at the kiln and workshops—I couldn't decide what to do, so I called you here."

"Don't worry, Yifei—I'm here. Whatever it is, tell me."