Chapter 225: Things Are Looking Bad

Before a few of them finished speaking, mounted soldiers galloped up to Jiang Mingyu.

The soldier dismounted, knelt on one knee, and said, "My lord, the situation in Yingchang is dire!"

Jiang Mingyu, taken aback, quickly said, "What's going on? Tell me."

The soldier spoke solemnly: "Report, Lord Jiang: just a few days ago, Yingchang fought a major battle; the Western Xia sent fifty thousand troops and seized Yingchang City. I fear this is bad—Western Xia has long looked down on us, and now that they've taken Yingchang, they'll surely come to attack our Zhangwu City for revenge."

Western Xia? Jiang Mingyu's face darkened instantly: "I've made it clear to Western Xia that this is a life-or-death feud—if they've declared they're coming for revenge, this is serious. I have barely thirty thousand troops; they have fifty thousand cavalry. How do we fight this?"

"Requesting reinforcements isn't feasible—Zhangwu Prefecture can barely muster thirty thousand troops total; we can't spare any. If we divert forces, we might invite disaster. What do we do?"

Jiang Mingyu pondered, then asked the soldier: "You say Western Xia will attack our Zhangwu?"

The soldier hurriedly replied, "Yes, Lord Jiang."

Jiang Mingyu asked again: "When do you estimate they'll strike?"

The soldier answered without hesitation: "When I secretly slipped out of Yingchang, Western Xia was already preparing. They'll likely arrive within three days. Yingchang is only five days' march from us—they'll be here soon."

Jiang Mingyu clapped his hands and laughed: "Perfect! Since they're coming, let's wait right here and set an ambush to give them a grand welcome!"

Zhang Jiaqi quickly chimed in: "Big Brother Jiang, you mean set an ambush? They'll be completely caught off guard!"

Jiang Mingyu beamed: "I knew my Jiaqi is so smart!"

Tukesiluo interjected: "But Lord Jiang, their fifty thousand are all cavalry—we must be extremely cautious, or we'll repeat past mistakes."

Jiang Mingyu sighed: "Tukesiluo, I've told you before to learn from Jiaqi—you never listen. Let me explain: Hamastulun will need to leave at least twenty or thirty thousand troops to hold Yingchang, so he can bring no more than twenty or thirty thousand here. We prepare, rest well, and strike when they're exhausted—how could we lose?"

Tukesiluo suddenly understood: "My lord, I get it! I'll go prepare the ambush right away!"

Jiang Mingyu stopped him: "Wait, Tukesiluo—they won't arrive for another one or two days. What's the rush? Have the men hide and rest now; we'll form the formation at noon tomorrow."

Tukesiluo scratched his head sheepishly: "My lord, I just wanted to prepare early—better safe than sorry."

With that, he led his troops into the mountain ravines.

Jiang Mingyu watched Tukesiluo's bewildered expression and couldn't help laughing: "Your brother-in-law is sometimes such a fool—acts like a child."

He shook his head and sighed: "He's got no sense. Always messing around. When we face a major battle, how can I ever entrust him with command?"

He turned his gaze to Zhang Jiaqi, eyes filled with admiration: "If only he'd learn from you, think more clearly, it'd be perfect."

Hearing Jiang Mingyu's praise, Zhang Jiaqi felt a sweet warmth inside, her face flushed like a ripe apple.

Jiang Mingyu frowned: "Jiaqi, what's wrong? Are you unwell?"

He didn't know this girl, raised since childhood with Liu Yifei, had long loved him in secret.

Zhang Jiaqi bit her lower lip, shyly saying: "Nothing… I'm fine. Don't worry."

She thought: This is a divine opportunity—how could I not seize it to confess? What a cowardly woman!

Zhang Jiaqi scolded herself harshly in her heart.

She also silently blamed Jiang Mingyu: Her feelings were plain for all to see, yet he pretended ignorance—what a heart of stone!

Several days passed before Zhang Jiaqi finally understood: her silence had always been because of Liu Yifei.

They were already betrothed—if she confessed her feelings to Jiang Mingyu, wouldn't she be stealing another woman's husband?

Though in this world it was normal for a man to have multiple wives, her nature refused to become a concubine.

Yet she couldn't control herself—gradually, she realized her feelings for Jiang Mingyu had surpassed friendship. She loved chatting with him, debating with him, teasing him, supporting him. She loved watching him laugh, seeing him angry, observing him focused, noticing his gentleness. She loved hearing him speak, singing, reciting poetry, revealing his inner thoughts.

She knew she had fallen in love with Jiang Mingyu—but she dared not speak it. She feared hurting Liu Yifei, feared disturbing Jiang Mingyu, feared destroying their friendship.

She could only hide this love deep in her heart, silently caring for Jiang Mingyu, silently supporting him, silently accompanying him.

She hoped one day Jiang Mingyu would discover her feelings and accept her love. But she also knew it might only be a beautiful dream.

Seeing Zhang Jiaqi seemed unharmed, Jiang Mingyu relaxed slightly: "Go rest. You've been fighting for days—you're exhausted."

After Zhang Jiaqi left, Jiang Mingyu stood at the tent entrance, gazing at the dark clouds gathering on the horizon, his heart heavy. He knew this rain wasn't ordinary—it was a storm. And this storm foretold a bloodbath.

He thought of his goal: unifying the Nine States of Da Feng, bringing peace to the people. How much hardship and sacrifice had he already endured? How many loved ones and comrades had he lost? How many more enemies and trials lay ahead?

He shook his head, dispelling his worries. He could not retreat. He could not give up. He would press on, until he realized his dream.

Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo and others hid in the forest overnight, waiting for the Western Xia forces. They had received intelligence: the main Western Xia army would pass this road on its way to attack Lanzhou. Jiang Mingyu decided to strike, catching them by surprise.

That night, heavy rain indeed fell, disrupting the Western Xia's march. Jiang Mingyu's men were also affected, but they remained vigilant, eyes fixed on the road.

When the sky cleared, it was the next morning. Jiang Mingyu's scouts reported: the Western Xia had resumed their advance and would reach the ambush site by noon. Jiang Mingyu's heart leapt—he sensed the moment had come.

By noon, the forest rain had mostly dried. Jiang Mingyu looked up—the sky was clear, sunlight shining directly on the road. He thought this a good omen, and turned to Tukesiluo: "Buddy, now's the perfect time. Shall we set the formation?"

Tukesiluo was equally excited—he knew the Western Xia were coming. He quickly organized his troops and shouted: "Five thousand archers, spread out and hide along both sides of the road! When the Western Xia enter our trap, unleash arrows!"

"Ten thousand cavalry follow behind the archers—I'll lead them personally. Once the archers suppress their vanguard, we charge and annihilate!"

"Five thousand spearmen block their retreat—let not a single one escape. Any slackness—execution!"

"The remaining ten thousand infantry follow the cavalry—after the charge, swiftly eliminate the remnants."

"Little sister, I entrust Big Brother's safety to you—don't let anything happen!"

As Tukesiluo gave orders, he glanced anxiously at Zhang Jiaqi.

Zhang Jiaqi smiled faintly, patted his shoulder: "Don't worry—I'll take good care of Big Brother. You watch yourself too."

Jiang Mingyu waved his hand: "I've my guard unit protecting me—no need to fret. Better let Jiaqi command the infantry charge."

Zhang Jiaqi nodded: "Yes, Big Brother Jiang. I'll do my best."

He smiled at them: "Then I leave it to you. This battle—we must show our strength, make Western Xia know our might!"

With that, he retreated with his guard unit to a high point in the forest, ready to observe the battle. Tukesiluo and Zhang Jiaqi each led their troops into hidden positions, waiting for the Western Xia's arrival.