Chapter 239: Multi-Front Warfare

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's strategy was like a sharp blade, piercing Yizhou's defenses. His proclamation was like a storm, sweeping across the prefectures of Yizhou. Chen Tang and Hu Bo, two generals who once terrified the region, were easily neutralized by him. The remaining six prefectures, all trembling with fear, successively surrendered their seals and submitted upon hearing the news.

Watching the continuous stream of good news, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's pride and excitement were beyond words. He had always longed for the day he could stand alone, command a great army, and wage war in all directions. Now, he finally had such an opportunity. He wanted everyone to know that he was not only a brilliant strategist but also an invincible war god.

"Goudan, quickly dispatch capable men to take over the prefectures of Yizhou and incorporate all surrendered troops into our army," Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered Li Goudan beside him.

Li Goudan was one of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's most loyal and trusted subordinates. He had followed Jiang Jiang Mingyu since childhood, witnessing both his glory and his downfall. He held boundless admiration and reverence for Jiang Jiang Mingyu. He was also someone nearly fanatical about war. He loved watching enemies fall under his hand and hearing enemies wail before him. He had fought countless battles with Jiang Jiang Mingyu and never lost.

"Rest assured, Boss. Leave it to me," Li Goudan quickly agreed.

His speed was indeed fast; in less than three days, he had handled everything perfectly. He sent his most trusted and capable subordinates to take over the administration and military affairs of the prefectures in Yizhou. He incorporated all surrendered troops under Jiang Jiang Mingyu's command. He also executed or exiled those who refused to surrender or showed signs of resistance.

Early on the third day, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, fully prepared, said to Li Goudan from horseback: "I leave Yizhou in your care; be extremely cautious. In a few days, Zhu Ge Yu will arrive. Then we can launch the troops."

He nodded solemnly and said, "Boss, rest assured. I will guard Yizhou well."

He smiled and patted Li Goudan's shoulder, saying, "Good, then I am at ease. You must not disappoint me."

"Boss, rest assured. I will never disappoint you," Li Goudan declared solemnly.

Amid Li Goudan's solemn nod, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo, each on a single horse, returned alone to Cangzhou.

On the way back, Tu Tu Kesiluo wiped the dust from his face and said to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, "Big Brother, I wonder if the assassins in Cangzhou City have been found?"

Speaking of this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression inevitably darkened.

"Those assassins come without a shadow and leave without a trace; how hard is it to find them? If there were news of them, Zhu Ge Yu would have already sent someone to inform us."

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded and said, "True. But if they are not found within a day, trouble will inevitably arise sooner or later. Moreover, once the great army moves..."

"... I will not be by your side, so you must be extremely cautious," Tu Tu Kesiluo said with concern.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a cold smile and said, "It matters not. Zhu Ge Yu said that since we cannot find them, we should use stillness to counter movement. Once they make a move, do we still worry about lacking an opportunity to deal with them? Besides, we have so many troops. To kill me, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, amidst ten thousand soldiers, they do not have such capability."

Seeing his fearless face, Tu Tu Kesiluo suddenly revealed a somewhat eerie smile and said, "Big Brother, although I will not be by your side during the expedition in the future, you can let my younger sister-in-law accompany the army."

"Since she has some feelings for you, she will surely go all out and ensure you suffer no harm at all."

Tu Tu Kesiluo had long seen Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's affection for Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and he also thought Zhang Zhang Jiaqi was a good girl. He felt Jiang Jiang Mingyu should give Zhang Zhang Jiaqi a chance, and give himself a chance too. He thought if Jiang Jiang Mingyu could accept Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, they could become a family. He felt this would be a good thing for both Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Zhang Zhang Jiaqi.

Therefore, he often mentioned Zhang Zhang Jiaqi in front of Jiang Jiang Mingyu, hoping to bring them together. But every time he did so, Jiang Jiang Mingyu would get angry, even furious. Because Jiang Jiang Mingyu had told him long ago not to talk nonsense; he only loved Liu Liu Yifei and would have no other thoughts about Zhang Zhang Jiaqi. He was a man who kept his word and would not let down Liu Liu Yifei, who traveled everywhere. He was a man with principles and bottom lines and would not do anything to betray his conscience.

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo bring up the old matter again, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face immediately fell. He shouted sternly, "How many times have I told you not to talk nonsense? I will consider having Zhang Zhang Jiaqi accompany the army, but absolutely not for the reason you stated. If you dare mention this again, I will turn against you."

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu angry, Tu Tu Kesiluo dared not speak further. He let out a dry laugh and then tightly shut his mouth. He secretly sighed in his heart, thinking Jiang Jiang Mingyu was too stubborn and too old-fashioned. He felt that by missing Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was missing a lifetime of happiness. He felt that if Jiang Jiang Mingyu could let go of his mental block, he would discover that Zhang Zhang Jiaqi was the most suitable person for him.

But he also knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu's character and determination, and he knew that whatever he said would be useless. So, he could only silently bless Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, hoping that one day they could come together.

Such days continued until they reached the outskirts of Cangzhou City.