Chapter 187: Another Campaign

Jiang Mingyu rode slowly into the state capital, followed by a squad of elite cavalry—veterans returning from the battlefield of Luoxie, still stained with blood and scars. Their eyes held both exhaustion and pride; they knew they had just completed a grueling mission, reclaiming a vital county for Jiang Mingyu.

News of Jiang Mingyu's achievements had spread through the city; the people flooded the streets, cheering to welcome their new Inspector. They gazed at him with admiration and gratitude, some offering flowers and fruit. Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly and waved, yet felt no real joy. He knew how fragile and fickle the people's hearts were—today they cheered for him, tomorrow they might weep for him. He refused to be deceived by such false affection; all he wanted was to return quickly to the Inspector's residence and see the woman he loved.

Liu Yifei had long heard Jiang Mingyu was returning. She hastily adjusted her clothes and rushed out of the workshop she ran. She was a sharp, capable woman; since becoming betrothed to Jiang Mingyu, she had managed several of his business affairs in the state. Unlike other women, she was not delicate or coquettish—her eyes were bright, her long hair jet-black, her figure healthy. She wore a pale yellow long dress with a red sash at her waist, appearing lively and charming.

She threaded through alleyways and streets, pushing through the crowd toward the Inspector's residence. She moved like a beautiful butterfly dancing in the sunlight. Her heart swelled with anticipation and excitement; she imagined what Jiang Mingyu would say to her, what gifts he might bring. It had been months since she last saw him—she missed his smile, his tenderness, his embrace.

She finally reached the Inspector's gate just as Jiang Mingyu dismounted and stepped inside. She couldn't help crying out: "Jiang Lang, you're back!" and rushed toward him.

Jiang Mingyu heard the familiar voice, turned, and saw Liu Yifei rushing into his arms. He said nothing, merely nodded, then pulled her close. He felt her fragrance and warmth, the rhythm of her heartbeat and breath. He felt as if he had come home.

After a long while, he finally spoke: "Are you well?"

It was a simple, ordinary greeting, yet it held all his concern and longing. Since becoming betrothed to Liu Yifei, he had been away fighting, never able to stay by her side. He felt guilty toward her, worried she was lonely, vulnerable, perhaps even harmed. He wanted to give her a stable, happy life—but he could not abandon his ideals or duty. He struggled forward between these two burdens.

Liu Yifei did not blame him. She knew Jiang Mingyu was a man of ambition—he fought for his country and his people, sought to become a regional lord. She supported him, encouraged him, prayed for him. As long as he returned safely, she was content. She smiled faintly and began recounting trivial matters around the city: her workshop's business was thriving, the people held Jiang Mingyu in high esteem, she had recently learned a new song…

Though these were trivial matters to Jiang Mingyu, now ruling two counties, he listened with keen interest. He loved hearing Liu Yifei speak—her voice was like a gentle breeze, sweeping away his worries and burdens. Her topics were simple, yet brimmed with the joy and wisdom of daily life. She made him feel peace and happiness.

Watching Liu Yifei's lips move, Jiang Mingyu suddenly felt a long-absent stirring within him. He wanted to kiss her, to tell her how much he loved her, to take her to his chamber and make her his wife.

But before he could lean in, a low cough sounded from outside.

"Cough… cough…"

Hearing that meaningful cough, Liu Yifei's lips, nearly touching Jiang Mingyu's, flushed crimson. She lightly punched his arm and hurried away, utterly flustered.

"Oh no, how embarrassing!"

Why does it always have to be you who ruins my moment?

Sure enough, Jiang Mingyu turned and saw Zhuge Yu's scarred face.

Zhuge Yu, no longer the same despondent man, chuckled.

Both Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yifei, interrupted in their moment, rolled their eyes. They quickly adjusted their clothes and composure, then walked to the door.

"Speak if you have something to say. Don't waste my time," Jiang Mingyu glared at Zhuge Yu.

Zhuge Yu wasn't offended; he chuckled again and stepped forward.

"Master, I heard from Tukesiluo that Luoxie is settled. Next, we head for Chu Yun County, right?" His tone grew serious as he turned to business.

Tukesiluo was Jiang Mingyu's other disciple and Wang Zhe's adopted son. A tall, dark-skinned foreigner from the Western Regions with deep-set eyes, he was a formidable warrior, fiercely loyal, deeply trusted by both Wang Zhe and Jiang Mingyu. He and Zhuge Yu were close brothers, often fighting side by side. Both were among Wang Zhe's finest generals and pillars of Cangzhou.

Chu Yun County was a vital city in southeastern Cangzhou. It was a fertile land rich in resources, and a strategic location controlling a key route between Cangzhou and the enemy state. Capturing Chu Yun would sever the enemy's supply lines and retreat paths, laying a solid foundation for an assault on Cangzhou City.

Jiang Mingyu nodded. "Yes. Chu Yun is our next target. We must act swiftly before the enemy reacts."

He knew the enemy's army could strike Cangzhou at any moment, and two counties remained unrecovered. He had to seize Chu Yun and Lingna quickly, then advance on Cangzhou City.

"When do we leave?" Zhuge Yu asked.

"Tomorrow," Jiang Mingyu said. "First thing tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" Zhuge Yu was surprised. "So soon?"

"No choice," Jiang Mingyu said. "Time waits for no one. We cannot let the enemy breathe or regroup. We strike while the iron is hot, with one decisive push."

"Understood," Zhuge Yu nodded. "I'll prepare."

As he turned to leave, Jiang Mingyu asked casually: "By the way, I haven't seen Zhang Jiani yet—how's the recruitment of twenty thousand soldiers going?"

Zhuge Yu frowned and sighed. "There's been resistance. After the Ruan Chen incident, and with our label as rebels, the people are terrified. I know you want to conscript more men, but that's only a temporary fix. If another rebellion like Yunqiu breaks out, the consequences will be dire. Even with strong troops, we cannot lose the people's hearts."

Jiang Mingyu nodded knowingly. "You're right. I was too harsh back then, leaving many grievances. Now our priority is stabilizing public sentiment, finding sustainable solutions."

After a long pause, he looked up. "Go tomorrow and post notices: reduce all taxes in the region by half a year. This will win hearts and secure a steady supply of recruits—just as I did in Shangmu. Public opinion is the key to victory."

Zhuge Yu agreed. "A good plan. Many will come flocking. With more people, funding will follow. Give the people hope for survival, and they'll serve wholeheartedly."

He hesitated slightly, then added: "But reducing taxes will strain military funds."

Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily. "So what? Recruiting troops is like handling a delicate situation—I have my own way to secure funds. Just focus on your task. In the scramble for power, speed is paramount. Winning hearts is the priority now."

Zhuge Yu listened, then bowed deeply in respect. Jiang Mingyu understood the bigger picture, acted decisively—only such a man could achieve greatness. He himself must serve faithfully and lend full support.

Soon, Zhuge Yu's notices were posted throughout the four districts and eight towns of the state. They announced that Jiang Mingyu, grateful for the people's support, would waive all taxes for six months. The news sent shockwaves of joy through the entire region.

Many quietly whispered that though Jiang Mingyu had rebelled, he treated the people far better than the Marquis Fei. Fei was a greedy, shameless tyrant—every year he imposed heavy taxes and forcibly conscripted men to fight. Their homes were destroyed, their loved ones killed, their lives tortured. Jiang Mingyu, by contrast, was a man of righteousness: he didn't raise taxes, he distributed grain and cloth, he paid soldiers wages and armed them. Their homes were protected, their loved ones comforted, their lives improved.

Thinking of how their good fortune would vanish if Marquis Fei crushed Jiang Mingyu, many conscripts didn't hesitate—they joined Jiang Mingyu's camp. They hoped to fight alongside him to defeat Fei and build a new dynasty. They saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance, a righteous act of gratitude.

That night, over wine with Liu Ximen, Jiang Mingyu finally told Liu Yifei of his impending campaign.

"I'm going to attack Chu Yun County," Jiang Mingyu said. "It's a key stronghold of Fei's. If we take it, we cut his supply lines and retreat routes."

"Do you have confidence?" Liu Yifei asked. "Zheng Xu is guarding it—he's a cunning old fox."

"I have twenty thousand troops. More than enough," Jiang Mingyu said. "And I have Zhuge Yu as my strategist."

"I can't go with you," Liu Yifei said. "I must stay behind to manage logistics."

"Don't worry about me," Jiang Mingyu said. "I'll return safely."

"Be careful," Liu Yifei said. "I'll wait for your victory."

They exchanged a quiet smile, then embraced and kissed.

The next morning, facing his twenty-thousand-strong army, Jiang Mingyu cracked his whip.

"March."

Amid Liu Yifei's sigh, Jiang Mingyu's army vanished into the distance, heading for Chu Yun County.

Chu Yun County lay southwest of the state capital, over four hundred li away—just the march would take three days.

Along the way, Jiang Mingyu left Tukesiluo and Zhang Jiani to their private moments, saying nothing, lost in thought about what other business he could start.

He now had barely eighty thousand men total; only the grain and funds seized from Luoxie kept them barely afloat.

If he didn't find a way to earn money soon, once Luoxie's treasury ran dry, matters would grow dire.

As for Chu Yun's treasury—only after capturing it would he know its worth.

Zheng Xu was no easy foe; victory was uncertain. Better to plan a profit strategy now.

He pondered, then suddenly had an idea.

"I know," he said. "I'll sell salt."

"Salt?" Zhuge Yu asked. "Where will you get it?"

"From the coast," Jiang Mingyu said. "Chu Yun borders the sea—there are many salt fields. Once we seize them, we can produce vast quantities. Salt is essential for daily life and military rations. I can trade it for grain and wealth from other regions."

"That's a good idea," Zhuge Yu said. "But how will you ensure others trade with you?"

"I'll lower the price," Jiang Mingyu said. "Make it worth their while. I'll also use salt to win hearts—give free salt to supporters and soldiers, earning their gratitude. Send salt to the neutral or hostile, to sway them or provoke surrender."

"Master, you're brilliant," Zhuge Yu said. "You'll profit and win hearts at once."

"Of course," Jiang Mingyu said. "It's a two-for-one advantage."

He smiled, a glint of cunning in his eyes.

"And I have a larger goal."

"What goal?" Tukesiluo asked.

"Do you know," Jiang Mingyu said, "salt isn't just for eating—it can be made into weapons."

"Weapons?" Zhuge Yu asked. "What kind?"

"Gunpowder," Jiang Mingyu said.