Chapter 187: Setting Out Once More

Jiang Jiang Mingyu rode his horse, slowly entering the prefectural city. Behind him followed a troop of elite cavalrymen, all returned from the battlefield of Lhasa City, their bodies still bearing bloodstains and scars. Their eyes revealed both exhaustion and pride; they knew they had just completed an arduous task, reclaiming an important commandery city for Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

News of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's achievements had already spread throughout the prefectural city; the common people surged into the streets, cheering to welcome their new Inspector. They cast looks of admiration and gratitude toward Jiang Jiang Mingyu, some even offering him flowers and fruits. Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly and waved his hand in acknowledgment, yet his heart held little joy. He knew how fragile and fickle the sentiments of these people were; today they cheered for you, tomorrow they might weep for you. He did not wish to be misled by such false affection; he only wanted to quickly return to the Inspector's residence and see the woman he loved.

Liu Liu Yifei had long heard that Jiang Jiang Mingyu was returning; she hastily tidied her clothes and ran out of the workshop she managed. She was a smart and capable woman; ever since becoming engaged to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, she had helped him manage some businesses within the prefectural city. Unlike other women who were frail and coquettish, she possessed a pair of bright eyes, a head of jet-black long hair, and a healthy figure. She wore a pale yellow long skirt, with a red belt tied around her waist, appearing lively and adorable.

She wound through the streets and alleys, weaving through the crowds, rushing toward the Inspector's residence. Like a beautiful butterfly, she danced gracefully under the sunlight. Her heart was filled with anticipation and excitement; she imagined what Jiang Jiang Mingyu would say to her upon his return, what gifts he would bring her. It had been several months since she last saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu; she missed his smile, his gentleness, his embrace.

She finally arrived at the gate of the Inspector's residence, just in time to see Jiang Jiang Mingyu leap down from his horse and walk through the main entrance. Unable to restrain herself, she cried out, "Jiang Lang, you're back!" and then rushed forward.

Hearing the familiar voice, Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned his head and saw Liu Liu Yifei throwing herself toward him. He said nothing more, merely nodding before gently pulling her into his embrace. He sensed the clear fragrance and warmth emanating from her body; he felt the beating of her heart and her breath against his chest. He felt as though he had returned home.

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

What a plain and ordinary greeting, yet it contained all his care and concern. Ever since he became engaged to Liu Liu Yifei, he had been fighting wars outside, having no time to stay by her side. He felt he had wronged her; he worried she would feel lonely and desolate, that she would suffer bullying and harm. He wanted to give her a stable and happy life, yet he could not abandon his ideals and mission. Struggling between these two dilemmas, he pressed forward.

Liu Liu Yifei did not blame him; she knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu was a man of ambition, that he must fight for his country and compatriots, that he aimed to become a regional warlord. She supported him, encouraged him, and prayed for him. Just seeing him return safely was enough to satisfy her. She smiled faintly and began speaking of many trivial matters in the city. She said business in the workshop was getting better and better, that the people of the prefectural city greatly respected Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and that she had recently learned a new song...

Although to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who now controlled two commanderies, these were trivial matters of no consequence, he still listened with relish. He loved hearing Liu Liu Yifei speak; her voice was like a clear breeze, blowing away the troubles and pressure in his heart. Though her topics were simple, they were filled with the joy and wisdom of life. She made him feel the ordinary and the happy.

Watching Liu Liu Yifei's small mouth open and close, a long-felt throbbing suddenly surged within Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart. He wanted to kiss her, wanted to tell her how much he loved her, wanted to take her into his room and make her his wife.

Yet before he could lower his lips, a low cough suddenly came from outside the door.

"Cough, cough..."

Hearing this cough laden with hidden meaning, Liu Liu Yifei, whose lips were nearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's, instantly flushed crimson. She lightly punched Jiang Jiang Mingyu once, then fled in extreme bashfulness.

"Oh my, so embarrassing."

Why is it always you ruining my good moments?

Sure enough, when Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned his head, he saw Zhu Ge Yu's face, marked with scars.

At this moment, Zhu Ge Yu had none of his previous loneliness and decadence; he chuckled with a "hehe."

Disturbed in their intimate moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Liu Liu Yifei couldn't help but roll their eyes. They hastily dressed themselves, tidied their appearances, and walked to the doorway.

"If you have something to say, say it; don't waste words," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said, glaring at Zhu Ge Yu.

Zhu Ge Yu did not get angry; he chuckled "hehe" again and stepped before Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

"Master, I heard from Tu Tu Kesiluo that the matter in Lhasa has been resolved; should we head to Chuyun Commandery next?" As he spoke of serious matters, he gradually dropped his smile.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was another disciple of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and also Wang Zhe's adopted son. He was a foreigner from the Western Regions, tall in stature, with dark skin and deep eyes. He was a warrior of high martial prowess and unwavering loyalty, deeply trusted by both Wang Zhe and Jiang Jiang Mingyu. He and Zhu Ge Yu were good brothers, often facing life and death together. They were both the most excellent generals under Wang Zhe's command and the mainstays of Zang Province.

Chuyun Commandery was an important commandery city in Zang Province, located in the southeast of the province. It was a fertile place with rich land and abundant resources. It was also a strategic location, controlling a vital route between Zang Province and the enemy nation. If Chuyun Commandery could be occupied, it would cut off the enemy's supply lines and retreat paths, laying a solid foundation for an assault on Zang Province City.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded and said, "Yes, Chuyun Commandery is our next target. We must act quickly, before the enemy has time to react."

He knew the enemy's great army could attack Zang Province at any moment, and Zang Province still had two commanderies yet to be reclaimed. He must seize the time to occupy both Chuyun and Lingna commanderies, then advance on Zang Province City.

"Then when do we depart?" Zhu Ge Yu asked.

"Tomorrow," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "We depart at dawn tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Zhu Ge Yu asked, somewhat surprised. "So soon?"

"There is no choice," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "Time waits for no one. We cannot give the enemy a chance to catch their breath and regroup. We must strike while the iron is hot and press our advantage in one go."

"Very well then." Zhu Ge Yu nodded. "I will go make preparations."

Having said this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu casually asked, "By the way, I have not yet seen Zhang Zhang Jiani; how goes the matter of recruiting twenty thousand troops in the city?"

Zhu Ge Yu frowned slightly and sighed, "This matter has encountered some obstacles. Due to the incident with Ruan Chen, plus our reputation as rebels, the common people are terrified. I know you wish to conscript more able-bodied men to fill the ranks, but this treats the symptoms, not the root cause. If another rebellion like Yunqiu occurs, the consequences would be unthinkable. Even relying on our military strength, we cannot lose the support of the people."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in understanding: "You are right; on that day I was too arbitrary and left behind much resentment. Now the most urgent task is to stabilize the people's hearts and find more ways for them to survive and thrive."

After a long pause, he raised his head and said, "Come, tomorrow you post notices announcing a six-month exemption from all taxes throughout the territory. Thus, while buying the people's loyalty, we can also secure a stable source of recruits. Just as I did when recruiting in Shangmu, the alignment of popular sentiment is the key to success or failure."

Zhu Ge Yu agreed: "This is a good method; surely more people will come upon hearing the news. With a larger population, military pay will naturally be resolved. Only by giving the common people hope for survival will they devote themselves to serving us."

Speaking thus, he hesitated slightly before adding, "However, if we exempt taxes, military expenses will become problematic."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, unconcerned: "What does it matter? Regarding recruiting soldiers, one must be cautious like one throwing a rat while fearing damage to the vessel. I have my own methods to obtain military funds; you just proceed with confidence. When heroes vie for supremacy, speed is paramount in warfare. Winning the people's hearts is the current priority."

After listening, Zhu Ge Yu could not help but feel profound respect. Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood the greater picture, was decisive and resourceful; only such qualities could achieve great endeavors. He too must fulfill his duties with loyalty and offer his utmost assistance.

Very soon, Zhu Ge Yu's proclamations were posted throughout the four countryside districts and eight towns of the prefectural city. The notices stated that, to thank the people for their support, Jiang Jiang Mingyu had decided to exempt taxes for half a year. This was tremendous good news, causing the people across the prefectural city to instantly erupt in excitement.

Many were already whispering among themselves: although this Jiang Jiang Mingyu had rebelled, he treated the common people far better than Fei Hou. Fei Hou was a greedy and shameless tyrant; every year he imposed heavy taxes on the people and forcibly conscripted able-bodied men to fight. Their homes were destroyed, their kin killed, their lives tormented. Yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu was a benevolent and righteous man; not only did he not increase taxes, but he also distributed grain and cloth to the people, and issued military pay and weapons to the conscripts. Their homes were protected, their kin comforted, their lives improved.

Thinking that once Fei Hou suppressed Jiang Jiang Mingyu, these good days would abruptly end, many able-bodied men didn't even think twice before joining Jiang Jiang Mingyu's camp. They hoped to follow Jiang Jiang Mingyu to defeat Fei Hou and establish a new dynasty. They felt this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and also a righteous act of repaying kindness with loyalty.

That evening, taking the opportunity to drink with Liu Ximen, Jiang Jiang Mingyu finally told Liu Liu Yifei the news that he would be going to war again.

"I am going to attack Chuyun Commandery," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "That is an important stronghold of Fei Hou; if we can capture it, we can cut off his grain routes and retreat paths."

"Are you confident?" Liu Liu Yifei asked. "Chuyun Commandery is guarded by Zheng Xu; he is a cunning old fox."

"With twenty thousand troops at my command, that is sufficient to deal with him," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "Moreover, I have Zhu Ge Yu as my strategist."

"I cannot go with you," Liu Liu Yifei said. "I must stay in the prefectural city to manage logistics."

"You need not worry about me," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "I will return safely."

"You must be careful," Liu Liu Yifei said. "I await your triumphant return."

The two looked at each other and smiled, then embraced and kissed.

Early the next morning, looking at the prepared army of twenty thousand, Jiang Jiang Mingyu flicked his horsewhip.

"Depart."

Accompanied by Liu Liu Yifei's sigh, the great army Jiang Jiang Mingyu led toward Chuyun Commandery gradually vanished from sight.

Chuyun Commandery was located southwest of the prefectural city; the distance between the two commanderies was about four hundred li, requiring three days of marching alone.

Along the way, Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not disturb Tu Tu Kesiluo and Zhang Zhang Jiani as they indulged in their closeness; he remained silent, pondering what other business he should engage in.

Currently, counting everyone, he had fewer than eighty thousand men under his command; only with the grain and funds obtained from capturing Lhasa could he barely sustain them.

If he did not quickly devise a way to make money, once the treasury of Lhasa ran dry, things would become difficult.

As for how much money and grain might be in the treasury of Chuyun Commandery, that could only be discussed after capturing it.

Zheng Xu was certainly not someone easy to deal with; victory or defeat was even harder to predict, so it was better to formulate a money-making strategy beforehand.

He thought for a moment, then suddenly a flash of inspiration struck.

"I understand," he said. "I will sell salt."

"Sell salt?" Zhu Ge Yu asked. "Where will you get the salt?"

"From the seaside," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "Chu Yun Commandery borders the sea; there are many salt fields there. If I merely occupy those salt fields, I can produce vast quantities of salt. Salt is a necessity for the people's livelihood and a seasoning for the army. I can use salt to exchange for grain and wealth from other places."

"That is a good idea," Zhu Ge Yu said. "But how do you guarantee others will trade with you?"

"I can lower the salt price," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "Make others feel trading with me is profitable. Moreover, I can use salt to win hearts. For instance, I can distribute free salt to the people and soldiers who support me, making them grateful. I can also send some salt to those who are neutral or hostile, causing them to waver or surrender."

"Master, you are truly amazing," Zhu Ge Yu said. "With this, you can both make money and win hearts."

"Of course," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "This is a case of killing two birds with one stone."

He smiled, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes.

"Moreover, I have an even greater purpose."

"What purpose?" Tu Tu Kesiluo asked.

"Do you know?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "Salt can not only be eaten; it can also be made into a weapon."

"A weapon?" Zhu Ge Yu asked. "What weapon do you mean?"

"Gunpowder," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.