Chapter 195: Life or Death Unknown

The sky darkened; Jiang Mingyu's army had been marching for three days and now set up camp to spend the night.

Jiang Mingyu sat cross-legged, holding a cup of hot tea, a faint smile on his lips. He knew tomorrow would be the day of decisive battle. His gaze was firm and deep, shining like stars.

Tukeslu finished reporting the scout's findings and, seeing Jiang Mingyu's calm expression, couldn't help laughing: "My lord, you're not the least bit nervous. That fool Wang Jingchun will fall into your hands tomorrow." His tone carried admiration and reverence—he knew Jiang Mingyu was a hero, unshakable in spirit.

Jiang Mingyu took a small sip of tea, a glint of wisdom in his eyes: "Tukeslu, I've told you—this battle is already won. Can that mediocre Wang Jingchun match my ten thousand fierce generals? Tomorrow, when we break the city, you'll see—he'll abandon his armor and beg for mercy on his knees!" His voice was calm, confident, without a trace of doubt or hesitation.

Zhang Jiani rolled her eyes: "Hmph, just a useless Inspector—he doesn't even deserve the attention of my lord! It's beneath your dignity!" Her eyes sparkled with pride and disdain; she had absolute faith and reverence for her elder brother.

Tukeslu laughed heartily and patted her head: "Jiani, don't underestimate the enemy. We came out in person to give the people of Lingna justice—to show them what happens when they defy us." A cold, lethal gleam flashed in his eyes—he hated Wang Jingchun with every fiber of his being.

Zhang Jiani lowered her head, embarrassed, and fell silent. She knew Tukeslu spoke only to comfort her. She too worried for Jiang Mingyu's safety.

At that moment, muffled gongs and drums sounded outside—the guards were changing watch. Jiang Mingyu drained his tea and stood.

"On the eve of battle, you two should rest early. At dawn, I'll lead the vanguard to oversee the assault—you follow behind and report any movement immediately." His tone was stern and resolute, showing no slackness or relaxation.

Tukeslu and Zhang Jiani replied in unison: "Yes, my lord!" They held deep respect and loyalty for Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Mingyu then straightened his posture with satisfaction and strode back to his tent. As he passed through the camp, soldiers saluted him; he returned their greetings with smiles and nods. He thought to himself: Tomorrow, my army will unleash its full might. Wang Jingchun, wait for me!

Night deepened; Jiang Mingyu's camp lay silent, save for the footsteps of patrols outside. Jiang Mingyu lay in his tent, eyes closed, cultivating calm in preparation for tomorrow's battle.

In the moonless dark, a sudden clanging of gongs shattered the night's stillness. Jiang Mingyu snapped open his eyes—he sensed something wrong. He heard enemy shouts and the whistle of flaming arrows.

"Danger—enemy attack!" Jiang Mingyu swiftly donned his armor and roared, "Enemy attack!" But it was too late—the enemy's flaming arrows were already hissing into the camp. Flames reflected on Jiang Mingyu's horrified face as he saw his own camp engulfed in fire.

"It's on fire! Put it out!" The defenders shouted and ran, but the fire grew fiercer. Jiang Mingyu called desperately for Tukeslu and Zhang Jiani, but only saw flames roaring skyward and cries of agony all around. He saw his trusted officers falling in pools of blood, consumed by fire—his heart felt as if torn apart.

Suddenly, a long blade stabbed from behind—Jiang Mingyu, caught off guard, nearly died. But Zhang Jiani appeared in time, slashing the attacker down. Her body was splattered with blood and ash; her eyes held worry and resolve.

"My lord, the situation is dire—we must retreat at once!" Zhang Jiani's face was grim as she grabbed Jiang Mingyu's arm and pulled him toward the exit. She knew this was an ambush—they were trapped.

Jiang Mingyu's face turned deathly pale, his heart like a knife twisting: "Tukeslu…!" Before he could finish, another wave of enemy cavalry charged. He remembered his dear friend Tukeslu still inside, directing firefighting and resistance—he didn't know if he was still alive. He wanted to turn back, but Zhang Jiani held him fast.

Zhang Jiani swept her long blade, carving a bloody path: "We're outnumbered—your life comes first!" She shielded Jiang Mingyu as they broke through the encirclement. Her heart ached for Tukeslu's uncertain fate, but she could not let Jiang Mingyu perish here.

Jiang Mingyu gritted his teeth and nodded, fists clenched, leading the remnants in a desperate fight to escape. His heart burned with grief and fury—he swore to avenge tonight's defeat. He would make the enemy pay in blood!

Jiang Mingyu was drenched in blood, face pale, stumbling forward. He gasped for air, eyes red, drowning in despair and guilt. His body bore countless wounds, blood streaming continuously. His clothes were torn to shreds by fire. Half his hair had been severed by arrows.

Behind him burned roaring flames, whistling arrows, and agonized screams. His men fell one by one, reduced to ash in the fire. Their corpses were devoured by flames, leaving only blackened bones. Their weapons were seized by the enemy, turned into trophies.

"Jiani—!" he screamed, trying to turn back, but his guards held him fast. They too were covered in wounds, their eyes firm and loyal. "My lord, you must live! You are our hope! You are our leader! You cannot die like this!"

Jiang Mingyu didn't notice the blood on his face—he ran forward mechanically. His heart was torn, tears pouring down. He thought of Jiani and Tukeslu—his closest comrades and lovers. They had sacrificed themselves to protect him. In their final moments, they smiled at him and said: "Big brother, live well!"

Suddenly, a volley of arrows struck—Jiang Mingyu's last few guards fell. Their eyes dimmed, sinking into death's embrace. With their final breaths, they whispered: "My lord, remember us! Avenge us!"

Jiang Mingyu halted abruptly and fell to his knees. He buried his face in his hands, sobbing, pounding the earth with his fists as if to carve his grief into the soil. "Jiani—you died for me… how can I face your parents? Tukeslu—I killed you with my own hands…" Jiang Mingyu choked on his words, guilt and sorrow churning within him. He knew Jiani and Tukeslu were surely dead—otherwise, why no sign?

High noon arrived; the flames faded. Jiang Mingyu knelt alone amid the ruined battlefield. He clenched his fists, tears welling in his eyes. "I will avenge you!" he whispered fiercely. "I will find the killers—I will cut them to pieces with ten thousand blades!" Jiang Mingyu's expression had never been so sorrowful, so monstrous. He rose slowly and walked away, the setting sun casting its glow over his tear-streaked face.