Chapter 192: Return Home

Jiang Jiang Mingyu successfully captured Chuyun City and led his army into the treasury, where he was delighted to discover a mountain of gold and silver. Chuyun Commandery was the wealthiest commandery in Cangzhou; the treasury was piled high with gold, silver, jewels, grain, fodder, cloth, and various rare treasures. Overjoyed, Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately ordered Tu Tu Kesiluo to inventory the assets and divide them into three parts: one for rewarding the soldiers, one for expanding the army, and one for developing commerce.

"My Lord, we have struck it rich this time," Tu Tu Kesiluo said with a smile. "These assets are enough to expand our army by twenty thousand and purchase even more weapons and equipment."

"Indeed," Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded. "With this money, we can strengthen our power and deal with Li Xian and Fei Hou."

"My Lord, you are truly wise and majestic; the people of Chuyun Commandery are grateful for your benevolence," Tu Tu Kesiluo added.

"Oh, no, no," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said modestly. "I fought only for the welfare of the people; I dare not claim credit."

"My Lord, you are too modest. You are the will of the people and the destination of the world," Tu Tu Kesiluo praised.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled and said no more. He thought to himself that although he had raised the banner of eliminating harm for the people, in reality, it was for his own ambition. He wanted to unify Cangzhou and establish his own dynasty. He wanted to become a hegemon.

After inventorying the assets, Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered Tu Tu Kesiluo to summon Song Song Yusheng from Longteng County.

Soon, Song Song Yusheng arrived before Jiang Jiang Mingyu and bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, My Lord."

"Song Yusheng, you have worked hard," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said kindly. "How have things gone in Longteng County?"

"To answer My Lord, I did my best," Song Song Yusheng replied. "I have recruited five thousand troops, and they are well-trained. I have also managed the county affairs of Longteng and soothed the people."

"Excellent," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said approvingly. "You are indeed a fierce general under my command; you have done even better than I expected."

"My Lord flatters me," Song Song Yusheng said humbly. "I have merely fulfilled my duty."

"You need not be modest," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said. "You have talent, ability, and merit; I have decided to promote you to Inspector of Chuyun Commandery. Are you willing to accept?"

"My Lord!" Song Song Yusheng said, surprised and delighted. "I am deeply grateful! I am willing to accept My Lord's appointment!"

"That is good," Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled. "From today on, you are the Inspector of Chuyun Commandery. You must manage this place well and build a strong city for me."

"Yes, My Lord!" Song Song Yusheng said excitedly. "I will certainly not fail My Lord's trust and will serve My Lord with utmost loyalty!"

"Good, go now," Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand. "I have other matters to attend to."

Song Song Yusheng bowed farewell to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and went to the Chuyun Commandery office. His heart was filled with gratitude and admiration; he felt that Jiang Jiang Mingyu was his benefactor and also his idol. He vowed to serve Jiang Jiang Mingyu with unwavering loyalty and not disgrace his mission.

Two days later, Jiang Jiang Mingyu led his army back to the provincial capital. He planned to rest there for a while before marching out to attack Lingna Commandery and completely take over Cangzhou.

After returning to the provincial capital, Jiang Jiang Mingyu began thinking about the plan to attack Lingna Commandery. Lingna Commandery was the largest commandery in Cangzhou and also the seat of the provincial government. There stood sturdy city walls, elite garrison troops, and the command of Lingna Inspector Li Xian. Taking Lingna Commandery would not be an easy task.

Moonlight like water, the Inspector's Mansion in the provincial capital.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu returned to his study; as soon as he opened the door, he saw Zhu Ge Yu already waiting inside for a long time.

"Disciple, how are the preparations for the war in Lingna?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked straight to the point.

"To answer Master, I have recruited twenty thousand elite soldiers and am training them day and night; it is estimated that we can march in another half month," Zhu Ge Yu reported respectfully.

"Excellent, excellent!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu clapped and laughed. "I cannot wait to send troops against that group of barbarians in Lingna. Disciple, you have worked hard."

Having finished speaking, Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly went to Liu Liu Yifei's workshop.

As soon as he reached the doorway, he saw a strange young woman standing beside Liu Liu Yifei. She wore coarse cloth clothes and had a timid expression.

"Whose daughter is this? Why is she following you here?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked curiously.

"Her name is Xing Xing Youli; she is a new maid I took in. She has lived a hard life since childhood; I pitied her, so I brought her back," Liu Liu Yifei said gently.

Xing Xing Youli timidly greeted Jiang Jiang Mingyu, then blushed and left the workshop.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded, turned to Liu Liu Yifei, and said, "I will hold a banquet tonight. Please invite your father and Zhang Zhang Jiani's family to dine together; there are business matters to discuss."

"Great, I will go notify them right away," Liu Liu Yifei happily agreed.

That night, the Inspector's Mansion in the provincial capital was brightly lit with candles. Jiang Jiang Mingyu invited all his trusted subordinates, as well as his father-in-law and the Zhang family, to discuss the grand strategy together.

"What is this?" Liu Liu Yifei asked in surprise, looking at the dishes on the table. "How have I never seen these dishes before?"

"These are all new dishes I made by hand. Today is the first banquet; I wanted to give you a surprise," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said shyly.

Liu Liu Yifei smiled happily: "You are getting better and better at taking care of people."