Chapter 172: Internal Strife

But they had not fled far when dust rose in the distance—Tukesuluohai, Zhuge Yu, and Zhang Jiani led a contingent racing toward them. Jiang Mingyu's heart stirred—had Dingtao also fallen into chaos?

As Tukesuluohai drew near, his hair was disheveled, his face pale, his expression fraught with anxiety.

After gasping out a question about Tukesuluohai's wounds, he said with deep concern: "Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner has only two thousand defenders left—Ruan Chen's main force is at the city gates. We have no choice but to return and reinforce!"

Jiang Mingyu drew a deep breath and said firmly: "Even in this dire situation, we must rescue Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner. If this place falls, we will never recover!"

"If Liu Yifei and the others are in danger, Ruan Chen—I will not let you live." Jiang Mingyu gritted his teeth, his eyes gleaming with resolve.

Zhang Jiani, standing nearby, turned ashen. She thought of her family in the city and knew they must return at once. All who heard this nodded heavily, their faces grim.

Jiang Mingyu immediately sent a scout to reconnoiter the road back to Huicheng, then ordered the entire army to prepare for a rapid retreat to Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner. They had to race against time—if they hoped to save anyone.

But at that moment, the scout who had just departed staggered back, gasping: "Report… Commander, ten li ahead, a ten-thousand-strong army is advancing straight toward us—likely Ruan Chen's vanguard!"

Jiang Mingyu and Zhuge Yu exchanged a glance—both saw in the other's eyes the weight of despair. The tide had turned. Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner was likely lost. They understood now: their only hope was to retreat to Dingtao and hold the last line of defense.

The wheel of fate hung above them. In this time of calamity, their chance of survival was slim. But Jiang Mingyu must rally—he must fight shoulder to shoulder with his soldiers! Even if all paths were cut off, he swore to fight to the death!

Jiang Mingyu drew a deep breath, then gave the decisive order to retreat to Dingtao. All who heard it gazed skyward and sighed long and deep—but there was no other choice. Only death or survival remained.

Just as Jiang Mingyu's group turned to break out, a scout galloped up, shouting: "Front line is ours—Commander Li is leading them himself!" Jiang Mingyu's heart leapt—he hurried forward to meet them.

A sliver of sunset cast heavy shadows; iron hooves churned dust too thick to pierce. Li Goudan and Zhang Jiaqi rode in at the head of their troops, dust rising, their figures in the dusk bearing a trace of weariness and resignation.

Seeing their grim faces and furrowed brows, Jiang Mingyu already guessed nine out of ten.

As they drew near, Jiang Mingyu rushed to ask for news. Zhang Jiaqi let out a long sigh and said slowly: "Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner has fallen. Our defenders are all but wiped out—we barely escaped."

Jiang Mingyu's heart felt crushed by a sledgehammer. He gripped tight and asked urgently: "Jiaqi—how is it? Where are Yifei and the others?"

Jiang Mingyu's first thought was Liu Yifei's safety. As long as she was unharmed, he could endure any blow.

Just as Jiang Mingyu was consumed by dread, a clear female voice rang out from the rear: "Jiang Lang, I'm safe—Father is well too!" Jiang Mingyu spun around—Liu Yifei was running toward him, her face radiant. The moment he saw her unharmed, a thousand-pound burden lifted—he felt lighter than ever.

Only then did he examine the others' wounds. Li Goudan's arm was wrapped in thick white cloth; Wu Xiao's head bore bloodstained bandages. The officers all wore grim expressions—the scale of losses was obvious.

Zhang Jiani finally let out a long breath, her heart at ease now that her family was safe. Jiang Mingyu understood their anguish—he ordered everyone to the nearest county magistrate's office to rest. That night, Jiang Mingyu lay awake, replaying the fall of Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner in his mind, blaming himself for his miscalculations. He knew outnumbered, defeat was inevitable—he should have fought to the last, even if it meant mutual destruction. Now, only regret remained.

At dawn, Jiang Mingyu gathered all the heroes to discuss their next move.

Some urged continued resistance; others advised temporary retreat. They argued fiercely, words clashing like blades. Jiang Mingyu listened a moment, then rose slowly and said firmly: "Do not despair. In hardship, true loyalty shines. We will fight to the death—victory or annihilation together!"

All who heard were stirred to fury, pledging their loyalty. Liu Yifei gripped Jiang Mingyu's hand, her eyes resolute. Jiang Mingyu knew—with such heroes beside him, he could still turn the tide and die for his country!

At that moment, the weakened Tukesuluohai asked from behind about their injuries. Li Goudan spat: "It's all Zhuge Gang's fault—he opened the gates!" All turned accusing eyes toward Zhuge Yu.

Seeing the rising fury, Zhang Jiaqi shouted: "Enough! Ruan Chen's army is only twenty li away—are you so foolish you'd kill yourselves with infighting?"

Jiang Mingyu agreed with Zhang Jiaqi and ordered everyone to retreat to Dingtao at once. Along the way, Li Goudan told Jiang Mingyu the full story of the defeat:

When the scout brought word of Ruan Chen's approach, it was already too late. Li Goudan and Wu Xiao held the city walls as Ruan Chen besieged them with eighty thousand troops. Defenders fell in droves, yet they held the enemy at bay—until Zhuge Gang opened the gates at midnight. Had Wu Xiao not acted swiftly to break out, they would have been annihilated.

They lost nearly ten thousand men. Ruan Chen left twenty thousand to besiege the city and personally led sixty thousand in pursuit. After a day of brutal fighting, they finally shook off the pursuers.

Zhuge Yu stared in disbelief: "My brother… opened the gates?" His brow tightened, his eyes filled with disappointment and pain.

Li Goudan snarled: "Do you think I'd lie about this in front of so many? Ruan Chen himself admitted it! If not for Miss Zhang holding the rear, we'd all be dead!"

"Wu Xiao's wound—if it had been an inch to the left, he'd be dead! Zhuge Yu, you play the nobleman on the surface, but you've long planned your escape. If our lord wins, you'll rebel; if we die, you'll crawl back as Fei Hou's lapdog!" He spat fiercely in Zhuge Yu's face.

Jiang Mingyu barked: "Zhuge Yu has severed ties with the Zhuge family! This has nothing to do with him! Don't spread lies!"

Li Goudan refused to yield: "I knew he was in league with Zhuge Gang! Don't shield him!" He lunged forward again, held back by his men.

Zhuge Yu gave a bitter smile: "I know no matter what I say, you won't believe me. When we reach Dingtao, I'll give you my answer."

Seeing he could not be reasoned with, Jiang Mingyu sighed and let the matter rest—for now.

Jiang Mingyu's party, weary and dusty, finally entered Dingtao at midnight.

Dingtao. Behind them, Ruan Chen's army—whether lost or just on the verge of arrival—remained unknown.

Jiang Mingyu surveyed the night and ordered: "Send scouts out. Find Ruan Chen's main force. Report back at once."

"We still have over thirty thousand men. Divide into two shifts to guard the walls—this is life or death. Stay vigilant." Tukesuluohai, somewhat recovered, stood with his sword as support.

"My lord, go consult with Master Zhuge and Lord Murong on strategy. We'll hold the walls—me and Jiani."

The usually haughty Zhang Jiani did not object—she nodded firmly.

At the mention of Zhuge Yu's name, Li Goudan, lit by firelight, sneered coldly: "First invite the wolf in, then figure out how to drive him out. Ridiculous."

Zhuge Yu drew his dagger in one swift motion and slashed a bloody cross across his own face.

He raised his voice: "Master, brothers—I, Zhuge Yu, swear by blood: this has nothing to do with me!"

"If the Zhuge family has first betrayed righteousness, then when we retake the province, how you choose to punish them—I will bear no resentment."

As he spoke the final words, he seemed to lose all strength, as if drained to the core.

Had Zhuge Gang not committed such a heinous act, Zhuge Yu would never have become so cold—even if cast out of his family.

Jiang Mingyu watched the bloody cross on Zhuge Yu's face, his heart aching.

He knew Zhuge Yu was innocent—but he could not quell the others' rage.

He spoke softly: "Zhuge Yu, you need not do this. You are my disciple. I trust your loyalty."

Zhuge Yu lifted his head, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. He said hoarsely: "Master, thank you for your trust. Though I share blood with Zhuge Gang, I have never conspired with him. His deeds fill me with revulsion."

Jiang Mingyu nodded—he believed Zhuge Yu.

He turned, his cold gaze sweeping the crowd. He spoke sharply: "I say again—this has nothing to do with Zhuge Yu. Anyone who dares to accuse him again, don't blame me for being merciless!"

Li Goudan clenched his teeth, silent now.

He still hated Zhuge Yu—but he knew Jiang Mingyu's authority could not be challenged.

He could only bury his rage deep, waiting for a chance to strike back.

After settling Liu Yifei and the others, Jiang Mingyu walked to Zhuge Yu's side and sighed deeply.

He said softly: "Zhuge Yu, come with me." He led Zhuge Yu into a room.