Chapter 201: Come to the City Gates, Let

Jiang Mingyu listened and silently marveled at how quickly they had arrived, then asked Zhu Ge Yu: "How much do you know about Liu Jian?"

Zhu Ge Yu had already investigated this matter and explained: "Liu Jian isn't Fei Hou's loyalist—he was once a deputy general under the late emperor and held considerable prestige. After Fei Hou seized the throne, he didn't execute him but suppressed and monitored him. Now surrounded on all sides, Fei Hou's top generals have been dispatched to quell rebellions, and with Ruan Chen's sudden death, he had no choice but to send Liu Jian to Xiangcangzhou. It's said Fei Hou has taken Liu Jian's wife and children hostage in the capital to prevent betrayal. With this leverage, even if reluctant, Liu Jian will spare no effort to crush the bandits."

Jiang Mingyu listened to Zhu Ge Yu's words and silently praised the young man for his thoroughness—he understood Liu Jian's situation clearly. He gazed at the map of Xiangcangzhou, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and smiled: "So Liu Jian is Fei Hou's thorn in the side, driven to this godforsaken place with nowhere else to turn. His wife and children are held captive by Fei Hou—how dare he resist? This is the opportunity we can exploit." Zhu Ge Yu nodded in agreement, gazing at Jiang Mingyu with admiration.

He knew Jiang Mingyu's mind was meticulous and his strategies sharp. He asked: "Master, how should we deploy tomorrow? Should we split our forces to attack the four commanderies?"

Jiang Mingyu shook his head. "No need to divide our forces. We strike with full momentum, straight for the heart. Tomorrow, I'll lead ninety thousand troops—falsely reported as one hundred twenty thousand—to intimidate Liu Jian. Aside from Jiani holding Yasmu Regional Military Commissioner's post, everyone marches with me—including you."

Zhu Ge Yu stared at Jiang Mingyu in shock. "My lord, are you committing every last man? Isn't that too risky?"

Jiang Mingyu laughed. "Relax. The four commanderies of Xiangcangzhou are already in my grasp—no one dares rebel. And I have a feeling: we will win this battle without doubt. Once we take Xiangcangzhou, Fei Hou will panic. Then we strike the capital and overthrow his tyranny in one blow."

Jiang Mingyu jolted awake, eyes opening to a dim room. He looked up at the sky—dawn had broken. He remembered last night's tenderness with Liu Yifei, warmth stirring in his chest. He knew she worried for him, but he could not abandon his ideals. He must defeat the usurper Fei Hou—for the people, for the late emperor's legacy, for his own family.

He rose quietly, not wanting to disturb her dreams. He donned his armor, washed his face in a basin of water, then stepped out of the tent. A cool breeze brushed his face, carrying the scent of the grasslands. Far ahead, the sun had risen, bathing the earth in light. A surge of Rexue boiled in his chest—he felt certain today would bring victory.

He rode to the center of camp, raised his longsword, and shouted: "Brothers! Rise up! Today we march on Xiangcangzhou! We'll show Liu Jian our strength! We'll make Fei Hou tremble! We fight for freedom and justice!"

"Yes!" Soldiers poured from their tents, swiftly arming themselves. They were Jiang Mingyu's loyal troops, veterans of countless campaigns, hardened by bloodshed. They believed Jiang Mingyu would lead them to victory.

Jiang Mingyu mounted his horse, raised his sword toward the north, and roared: "Advance! We ride without pause! We reach Xiangcangzhou's gates in three days! We break the city in one strike!"

"Advance!" The soldiers roared in unison, following Jiang Mingyu. Fifty thousand troops surged like a dragon across the grasslands.

This northern campaign's target: Xiangcangzhou. A key northern stronghold of the Da Feng state—and Liu Jian's garrison.

Jiang Mingyu pushed his men relentlessly. Though they marched day and night, it still took three days to reach the outskirts of Xiangcangzhou. With twenty li still to go, he ordered camp established, allowing soldiers brief rest to recover strength.

"My lord," Zhu Ge Yu approached Jiang Mingyu, speaking low: "My scouts have returned. They say Xiangcangzhou is stirring. Liu Jian knows we're coming."

"Oh?" Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow. "What's his reaction?"

"He's sent two thousand cavalry to intercept us," Zhu Ge Yu replied.

"Two thousand cavalry?" Jiang Mingyu laughed. "He underestimates us. Who do they think we are? We are Jiang Mingyu's army! The elite of Da Feng! Heroes of the realm! Do we fear two thousand cavalry?"

"No!" the soldiers roared in unison.

"Then let's go meet him!" Jiang Mingyu said. "Zhu Ge Yu, you take fifty thousand men and hold the camp. I'll lead forty thousand to confront Liu Jian. Today, we'll show him our strength—and our resolve!"

"Yes!" Zhu Ge Yu and the soldiers answered.

Jiang Mingyu mounted his horse again and led forty thousand troops toward Xiangcangzhou.

Jiang Mingyu arrived beneath Xiangcangzhou's walls at dawn, sending shockwaves through the city. He instantly saw this city dwarfed Yasmu Regional Military Commissioner's post—he thought: This is a prize worth taking.

Tu Kexiluo, seeing the city for the first time, blurted: "Holy hell, now this is a real city!"

On the walls, Liu Jian had already heard of Jiang Mingyu's arrival. His face twisted with fury, ready to curse them out—but Jiang Mingyu spoke first, smiling pleasantly:

"General Liu, you've finally arrived. We're destined to meet. Though I've broken with Fei Hou, I've heard your name. Why not come down for a drink? I've brought fine Nü'erhong."

Liu Jian nearly choked with rage. "Jiang Mingyu, you rebel traitor dare mock me here? I've come with an army to cut your head off! Drink? Get lost! Today, we settle this once and for all!"

Jiang Mingyu still smiled, calmly saying: "General Liu, your reputation is built on slaughter. Yet today you won't even drink a cup with me? You're nothing but a paper tiger. Don't worry—I won't humiliate you before your troops. If you're afraid, just walk away."

Li Goudan and Tu Kexiluo realized Jiang Mingyu was provoking Liu Jian, trying to rattle him. But Liu Jian wasn't a fool—he'd come prepared for battle. This drinking challenge… the lord must have a plan…

Li Goudan whispered: "Lord, what are you trying to do?"