Chapter 182: The Interrogation King: Li Goudan

Inside the county yamen.

Jiang Mingyu and Zhuge Yu sat beside a square table, on which a lamp burned, illuminating their faces.

They were discussing how to deal with Wang Hao, the Inspector of Luoxie City, who had long been Jiang Mingyu's greatest rival.

After speaking for half an hour without reaching a decision, they heard someone knocking at the door. Jiang Mingyu set down the sheepskin map in his hand and barked, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Li Goudan." A rough voice came from outside.

"Come in," Jiang Mingyu said.

The door opened, and a tall man stepped in. He wore a black military uniform, his beard unkempt, his eyes shrewd. Upon seeing Jiang Mingyu and Zhuge Yu, he immediately saluted.

"Lord, Wang Zhandong has spoken." Li Goudan said.

Jiang Mingyu had hoped to extract Wang Hao's movements and plans from him, but Wang Zhandong had stubbornly refused to say a word.

"So soon?" Jiang Mingyu asked in surprise.

"What did he say?" Zhuge Yu asked curiously as well.

Li Goudan chuckled and said, "Wang Zhandong said that after you and Tukesiluo killed so many of their men last time, Wang Hao felt his strength had been severely weakened. After reporting the fall of Dongping to that brat Fei Hou, Wang Hao immediately conscripted five thousand able-bodied men day and night for training. He's waiting only for Fei Hou's order before joining Ruan Chen's troops to attack the provincial capital. Now Wang Hao commands seventy-eight thousand soldiers—don't underestimate him."

Jiang Mingyu and Zhuge Yu exchanged glances, both feeling a surge of pressure. Wang Hao might be a nouveau riche, but he was no fool—he had money, grain, men, and land, and had dominated Luoxie for years.

"Wang Hao is no easy target. If we don't crush him soon, he'll only become a bigger problem," Jiang Mingyu said coldly.

Zhuge Yu nodded, then turned to Li Goudan and asked, "Who was on duty in the prison? How did you get the truth so fast? Could this be a trick?"

"Did the guard use severe torture? This matter is too critical—we must not take Wang Zhandong's words at face value," Zhuge Yu added.

Li Goudan chuckled again, then spoke: "I was on duty today. I didn't use severe torture—only…"

At the end of his sentence, Li Goudan's weathered face flushed unusually red. He lowered his head, unable to meet Jiang Mingyu's or Zhuge Yu's gaze.

Seeing his expression, Jiang Mingyu already understood what had happened. A chill ran through him, yet he had to admit—Li Goudan's methods were effective.

"Goudan, are your old habits resurfacing again?" Jiang Mingyu asked tentatively.

From Li Goudan's demeanor, he could guess that the poor Wang Zhandong had once again been subjected to Li Goudan's "post-interrogation" treatment. Though cruel, this method was devastatingly effective against men with iron wills.

Before Li Goudan could open his mouth, Jiang Mingyu waved his hand. "No need to explain. This time, you did right. With this method, Wang Zhandong wouldn't dare withhold the truth."

Then he warned, "Still, if I find you using these filthy tricks on our own soldiers, you know the consequences."

Seeing Jiang Mingyu wouldn't punish him, Li Goudan exhaled in relief. "Lord, rest assured—I know my limits."

Fortunately, Zhuge Yu was already aware of his eccentricity. He sighed faintly and said nothing more.

"Master, Goudan has confirmed Luoxie City's true strength. We can't delay any longer—we must march tomorrow," Zhuge Yu said softly, standing beside Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Mingyu nodded. He sat before a large redwood table, on which a map lay, dotted with colored flags. He pointed to Luoxie City and said, "I agree. Goudan, go notify Tukesiluo. Have him lead ten thousand elite troops. I will command the army myself and attack Luoxie tomorrow."

Li Goudan stood nearby, his heart stirring. He had recovered from his wounds long ago but had never gotten a chance to fight. He couldn't help speaking up: "Lord, every time it's General Tu who rides beside you into battle. This time, can you give me a chance to earn glory?"

Jiang Mingyu looked up at him, surprised. Though Li Goudan had grown up with him since childhood, his martial skill was mediocre—he was merely a lowly soldier. Jiang Mingyu asked, "Luoxie is a commandery seat, not some backwater town. There may be fierce generals there. Are you fit for such a task?"

Li Goudan slapped his chest defiantly. "Lord, don't underestimate me. When I was in Shangmu, I trained under General Tu. I may not match him, but I can still cut down ordinary generals with ease!"

Zhuge Yu smiled at his words. He said to Jiang Mingyu, "Let him go with you. A true blade must be tempered in blood and storm to reveal its edge. Future battles will be frequent—relying solely on Tukesiluo won't be enough."

Jiang Mingyu considered it, and found it reasonable. He said to Li Goudan, "Very well. You will accompany Xiao Er on this campaign. Tukesiluo will follow behind as reserve. Tomorrow morning, execute Wang Zhandong to raise the battle standard and boost morale."

Hearing Jiang Mingyu's words, Li Goudan's heart surged with excitement. He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord, for your trust. I swear I will not fail you—I will earn great merit for you."

He turned to leave, but Jiang Mingyu called out: "Goudan, don't forget—you're not just my subordinate and brother. If you feel anything's wrong, pull back immediately. Don't force yourself."

Li Goudan turned back, seeing Jiang Mingyu's gaze, and a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes. He said, "Lord, rest easy—I'll be careful."

Then he ran out. Jiang Mingyu watched his retreating figure, a quiet worry in his heart. He didn't know what outcome this campaign would bring, but he had already prepared for the worst.

Li Goudan left happily, but Jiang Mingyu suddenly sighed. He pulled a thick stack of silver notes from his robe and handed them to Zhuge Yu. "The Zhuge family's assets have been fully inventoried. They're all yours now."

Zhuge Yu took the notes, gazing at the map on the table, his heart aching. He said, "Use them for military pay. The Zhuge family estate—don't keep it. Let it all be buried."

Jiang Mingyu looked at his expression and said nothing more. He knew Zhuge Yu was a man of deep feeling, bound by loyalty to his kin and homeland. But in this chaotic age, some things could never be undone.

While Li Goudan was mustering troops, Liu Yifei was in the Inspector's mansion, speaking with her surviving uncle.

Her uncle was a simple merchant, rescued by Jiang Mingyu from the provincial capital, and had lived ever since in the Inspector's residence. He was deeply grateful to Jiang Mingyu and deeply concerned for Liu Yifei.

"Xiao Fei, you've been with Lord Jiang for a long time now. Has he treated you well?" he asked.

Liu Yifei nodded. "Lord Jiang treats me well. He even lets me manage his business affairs."

"Good, good," her uncle smiled. "Lord Jiang is a capable man. You're right to follow him. But take care of your health—don't overwork yourself."

Looking into her uncle's kind eyes, Liu Yifei felt warmth in her heart. "Uncle, don't worry—I'll rest properly."

As they spoke, Jiang Mingyu entered. Seeing Liu Yifei and her uncle together, he smiled slightly. He walked over and said to her uncle, "Uncle, how are you feeling today?"

"Fine, fine," her uncle rose and bowed. "Thank you, Lord Jiang, for your concern."

"No need for formalities," Jiang Mingyu waved his hand. "Please sit."

Then he turned to Liu Yifei. "Tomorrow the army marches. Wang Zhe is dead. The city's business affairs are now in your and Zhuge Yu's hands."

Liu Yifei was startled. "What? Are we going to war again?"

Jiang Mingyu gave a bitter smile. "Who wants to fight if they can live in peace? But we're forced to."

"Wang Hao doesn't want me alive—how could I let him live in peace?"

Early the next morning, in the provincial capital's camp, blades gleamed. Ten thousand soldiers stood ready. Li Goudan and Xiao Er rode atop horses, radiant with pride. Jiang Mingyu stood on a high platform, sword in hand. He ordered: "Execute Wang Zhandong."

With a cry, Wang Zhandong's head fell. Jiang Mingyu's army surged forward, vanishing into the distance beneath Liu Yifei's worried gaze.