Chapter 235: The Sister-in-Law Is Different

Jiang Mingyu gave the order, and his 80, 00 troops surged toward Yizhou like a colossal dragon.

He knew clearly this was a battle of life and death—either he died, or Yizhou fell.

He did not want to die, nor did he want his brothers to perish in vain.

He wanted to live and return to Xiangcangzhou, to his homeland.

Back to her side.

But just as he was about to set out, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Big Brother Jiang, wait for me, wait for me!"

Jiang Mingyu turned around and saw Zhang Jiaqi riding a black horse, dusty and weary, catching up.

Behind her trailed several carts, piled high with all manner of supplies.

Jiang Mingyu was surprised—he thought this girl was in Xiangcangzhou helping Zhuge Yu hunting assassins.

How had she ended up here?

Did she intend to follow him into battle?

But her appearance suggested she had not come for combat.

Then what was her purpose?

Soon, Zhang Jiaqi reached Jiang Mingyu's side.

She panted slightly as she spoke.

"Big Brother Jiang, you're moving too fast! I raced after you for days just to catch up."

Seeing her face streaked with dust and sweat, Jiang Mingyu asked urgently.

"Jiaqi, why are you here?"

Zhang Jiaqi wiped the sweat from her face and smiled.

"I've come on Master Zhuge's orders to deliver a strategy for breaching Yizhou."

Zhuge Yu?

He was far away in Xiangcangzhou—what strategy could he possibly have?

Seeing Jiang Mingyu's puzzled expression, Zhang Jiaqi grinned inwardly—you really underestimate Master Zhuge.

Seeing her stall, Tu Kesiluo grew impatient.

"Little sister-in-law, stop playing coy. What strategy did Master Zhuge send you with? Speak!"

At this, Zhang Jiaqi's smile faded. She leaned close to Jiang Mingyu's ear and whispered.

"Master Zhuge's idea is…"

Then she pointed to the carts behind her.

"It's all here."

Following her gesture, Jiang Mingyu's eyes lit up.

"Excellent! I never expected Zhuge Yu still had these."

"If we can use these to breach Yizhou, when I return to Xiangcangzhou, I'll surely thank him properly."

Seeing Jiang Mingyu accept Zhuge Yu's plan, Zhang Jiaqi pouted, feigning displeasure.

"Just thank Master Zhuge? I've ridden for days through dust and sweat—don't you owe me thanks too?"

Watching her act coquettishly, Jiang Mingyu hurried to say.

"Jiaqi, your contribution is indispensable. Even if I were blind, I'd never forget you, my greatest hero."

Zhang Jiaqi's lips curved into a sweet smile.

"That's more like it. Message delivered—I should head back. The assassins are still unaccounted for."

She turned her head and gave Jiang Mingyu a lingering glance.

"Big Brother Jiang, be careful. I'll be waiting for you."

Then she wheeled her horse around and rode back the way she came.

Watching Zhang Jiaqi's figure slowly vanish into the firelight, Tu Kesiluo felt a sharp pang, a foreboding stirring within.

"Big Brother, my little sister-in-law… she seems off." He spoke softly to Jiang Mingyu.

"Off? What do you mean?" Jiang Mingyu asked, startled.

"Have you noticed the way she looks at you? Her eyes are full of deep affection and longing." Tu Kesiluo spoke mysteriously.

"Affection and longing? You're talking nonsense!" Jiang Mingyu waved him off. "She's Yi Fei's sister—how could she harbor feelings for me?"

"Feelings? Who said she had designs? She simply cannot control her heart." Tu Kesiluo sighed. "Do you know she risked her life to come here for you?"

"But… aren't you always risking your life to save me too?" Jiang Mingyu retorted.

"How can that be the same? You're my lord, Big Brother! She came for you—because of your safety, your life, your every smile and frown!" Tu Kesiluo exclaimed passionately.

"Impossible! Impossible! Impossible!" Jiang Mingyu shook his head repeatedly. "How could she feel for me? How could she be drawn to me? How could she be utterly lost in me? This ends now—never mention it again."

Tu Kesiluo smiled awkwardly. "You're right—I spoke out of turn. I beg your pardon, Big Brother."

Jiang Mingyu shook his head. "Rather than speculate on such nonsense, focus on the battle for Yizhou. We must press forward and break the enemy as soon as possible."

Tu Kesiluo said, "Your wisdom, Big Brother. I'll order the troops to hasten their march! We must strike before Chen Tang can regroup!"

Jiang Mingyu mused, "Yes, the battle for Yizhou is paramount—we must give it our all. The realm and the state can only be preserved by defeating our enemies."

Tu Kesiluo regretted his words and immediately ordered the march accelerated. Jiang Mingyu stared ahead, his thoughts fixed entirely on the coming battle for Yizhou. Fame and love must both yield to the greater cause.