Chapter 231

In summer, people want spicy, stimulating foods to awaken the appetite, and cool, sweet drinks to lower body heat and relieve the sweltering heat. Hot pot and ice cream are the perfect pairing.

Hot pot lets people experience the customs and culinary culture of Xiangcangzhou; ice cream lets them savor the exotic flavors and creative cuisine of the south.

As he spoke, he unconsciously licked his lips, a look of longing on his face.

He imagined himself sharing hot pot and ice cream with Liu Yifei, savoring the delicacies, chatting, and smiling at each other. He imagined them leaving the estate together, riding in a carriage, and heading to Lanzhou.

He imagined them arriving in Lanzhou together, opening new markets, creating new wealth, and witnessing new miracles.

He imagined them returning to Xiangcangzhou together, welcoming the victory cannons, walking into the grand hall, and receiving the admiration and blessings of all.

He imagined them returning home together, entering the bedroom, lying on the bed, and enjoying the sweetest moments.

In summer, people want spicy, stimulating foods to awaken the appetite, and cool, sweet drinks to lower body heat and relieve the sweltering heat. Hot pot and ice cream are the perfect pairing.

Hot pot lets people experience the customs and culinary culture of Xiangcangzhou; ice cream lets them savor the exotic flavors and creative cuisine of the south.

As he spoke, he unconsciously licked his lips, a look of longing on his face.

He imagined himself sharing hot pot and ice cream with Liu Yifei, savoring the delicacies, chatting, and smiling at each other. He imagined them leaving the estate together, riding in a carriage, and heading to Lanzhou.

He imagined them arriving in Lanzhou together, opening new markets, creating new wealth, and witnessing new miracles.

He imagined them returning to Xiangcangzhou together, welcoming the victory cannons, walking into the grand hall, and receiving the admiration and blessings of all.

He imagined them returning home together, entering the bedroom, lying on the bed, and enjoying the sweetest moments.

Liu Yifei's eyes lit up; she had never imagined hot pot and ice cream could be combined into a unique delicacy.

"That's right! How did I never think of such a clever idea?" she exclaimed excitedly. "I guarantee, when the wealthy indulge in this dish, they'll fall in love with it."

As she spoke, she looked up at Jiang Mingyu.

Seeing her joyful expression, Jiang Mingyu chuckled. He deeply loved this girl—she was the finest thing in his life.

"Yifei, the wealthy love hot pot and ice cream. Do you know what I love most?" he asked softly.

Before Liu Yifei could answer, he suddenly bent down and kissed her red lips fiercely.

Liu Yifei's face flushed crimson; she struggled lightly, then collapsed helplessly into Jiang Mingyu's arms.

In that instant, time seemed to freeze. They had only each other, in this world filled with war and bloodshed.

After a long while, seeing Liu Yifei's shy gaze, Jiang Mingyu spoke gently.

"Yifei, once I defeat Fei Hou, I will marry you in grand style."

"As I promised that day—you, Liu Yifei, are the only woman I will ever have in this life."

Then he added:

"Since we're both about to travel far, let's gather everyone tonight and celebrate properly."

Saying this, he picked up pen and paper and wrote a few lines:

Notice:

All soldiers of this camp, report to the dining hall at seven tonight.

I have important matters to announce and invite you all to dinner.

Dinner will feature special hot pot ice cream—do not miss it.

Also, please collect as much ice as possible and deliver it to the dining hall.

I will reward you according to weight.

Jiang Mingyu, respectfully

Less than fifteen minutes later, news of Jiang Mingyu's ice collection drive and dinner invitation spread through the camp.

The soldiers, upon hearing the news, were thrilled. They knew Jiang Mingyu was generous, and his food was legendary. They scoured the camp for ice, eager to taste this strange new dish.

Yet they did not know this hot pot ice cream was, in truth, Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yifei's final meal.

In a hidden room, Tang Youli spoke to the veiled woman.

"Master, Jiang Mingyu has returned."

Returned?

The veiled woman's calm eyes instantly blazed with furious hatred.

She was Fei Hou's trusted confidante and lover. She had once loved him deeply—but Fei Hou died because of Jiang Mingyu. She swore vengeance, and ever since, she had secretly tracked Jiang Mingyu, waiting for her chance.

"After waiting so long, he's finally back. Tell me everything," she said coldly.

Tang Youli then recounted, in full detail, Jiang Mingyu's plan to host the feast.

The woman's veil trembled slightly—as if she smiled.

"Perfect. Heaven itself aids me. We act tonight. This is his last day," she hissed.

She had a plan—a plan to send Jiang Mingyu and his beloved straight to hell.

Inside the Xiangcangzhou government compound, lanterns blazed and fragrances filled the air. Jiang Mingyu held a grand banquet to celebrate the victory over Yingchang.

Zhuge Yu, Tuke Sulu, other officers, Liu Yifei and her father, and Zhang Junhao and his wife all attended.

The banquet table overflowed with fine dishes and wines, but the most unusual was a new delicacy called hot pot ice cream.

It was jointly created by Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yifei—a refreshing, cooling treat perfect for the sweltering summer.

To make it, Jiang Mingyu had gathered ice from across the city, crushed it, and mixed it into wine.

When the wine blended with the crushed ice, a strange reaction occurred, rendering the liquid icy and sweet.

Jiang Mingyu raised his cup, gazing at the men who had followed him since Shangmu, through fire and water, through hardship and joy.

His heart swelled with gratitude. "All of you, my achievements today are thanks entirely to your unwavering support," he said sincerely. "We're family—I won't waste words. First toast—to you all." He raised the cup to drink—when suddenly, a red shadow burst in.

It was Zhang Jiaqi.

Seeing Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yifei smiling at each other, Zhang Jiaqi was filled with envy and resentment.

She said coldly. "Wait." Jiang Mingyu blinked slightly, then smiled. "Jiaqi, why are you only here now? You played a crucial role in breaking Yingchang."

Jiang Mingyu paused, then smiled. "Jiaqi, you're late. Your role in breaking Yingchang was crucial." He spoke politely. "Sit down. Later, you and I and Yifei will drink together."

But Zhang Jiaqi made no move to sit. She waved her hand at Jiang Mingyu. "Brother Jiang, I heard you plan to attack Yizhou tomorrow—and you don't want me to join the campaign. Is that true?" Though she had been caring for her seriously ill sister, Zhang Jiani, she had heard this "major" news long ago.

Because of her feelings, she didn't want to leave Jiang Mingyu's side even for a moment. His campaign against Chen Tang and Hu Bo would be a fight to the death—what if something happened?

If she didn't go, Zhang Jiaqi felt she wouldn't be able to sleep. Jiang Mingyu chuckled.

"Jiaqi, you've been fighting nonstop. Stay in the city and keep your sister company—it's better for you," he said gently. "Don't worry—I'll return safely."

Seeing Zhang Jiaqi's angry expression, Liu Yifei quickly stepped forward with a cup of wine. "Jiaqi, Jiang Lang means well."

Before she could finish, Zhang Jiaqi suddenly raised her palm. "Don't speak," she snapped.

Zhang Junhao frowned sharply. "Jiaqi, Yifei is trying to help you. How dare you speak like that?" he rebuked sternly.

Zhang Jiaqi ignored him. She took the wine cup from Liu Yifei's hand, sniffed it lightly—and her face changed.

"This wine is poisoned!" she cried out.

Poisoned? Jiang Mingyu frowned. "What do you mean?"