Chapter 240

The winding mountain path stretched ahead; Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu rode hard for five days and five nights, their bodies worn thin by the endless journey. Yet for the sake of their revolutionary ideal, they cast aside their exhaustion and pressed forward with single-minded determination toward the western frontier of Xiangcangzhou.

After five days and five nights of relentless galloping, they finally arrived beneath the walls of Xiangcangzhou. The midday sun blazed overhead, dust blanketed the ground, and days of travel had left them parched and thirsty. From within the city came faint sounds of military clamor—they had found the rendezvous camp at Xiangcangzhou.

"Brother Yu, we've finally made it! Once inside, let me drink a few bowls of water to wet my throat!" Tukesulu's voice, hoarse from prolonged exertion, cracked slightly.

"Hah! I've been craving the camp's fine wine and food too—we'll feast well once we're in!" Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, and together, one ahead and one behind, they entered the Xiangcangzhou camp.

Inside the camp, dust swirled thickly; a middle-aged man with a weathered face and a small beard stepped forward to greet them.

"Disciple!" Jiang Mingyu stepped forward and clasped his palm against the man's. "You've endured long waiting here for us!"

Seeing their arrival, Zhuge Yu embraced them warmly.

The three entered the tent and sat down; Jiang Mingyu briefly laid out the purpose of their journey—the secret plan to launch a general offensive against the southern prefectures, aiming to overthrow the decaying Jingzhou court in one decisive blow.

After hearing Jiang Mingyu's plan, Zhuge Yu did not immediately agree. He fell into deep silence, pondering long without speaking.

"Is something amiss, Master Zhuge? Do you find this plan unwise?" Tukesulu asked cautiously.

Zhuge Yu shook his head, still hesitating.

"Give me time to weigh the gains and losses. This matter cannot be rushed."

With that, he sat still, eyes closed in deep thought. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu, seeing his focus, dared not disturb him and waited in silence.

Minutes passed, second by second. Zhuge Yu sat nearly half an hour before finally speaking, by which time Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu were nearly asleep.

"Master, the northern campaign remains feasible. Our forces already hold key passes across the northern frontier; attacking from high ground gives us great advantage."

"After seizing Guizhou, Taizhou, and other regions, we can open the vital north-south corridor. Then, with coordinated pressure from three directions, we will crush the Jingzhou court and take it in one swift strike!"

Jiang Mingyu immediately perked up, nodding vigorously: "Disciple, your insight is sharp! If we hold the north firmly and then march south to seize Jingzhou, the Hou Fei dynasty will fall!"

"Then we shall fulfill the great task of unifying all under heaven and restoring peace to society!"

Though Zhuge Yu agreed, he still warned: "Let us be clear—our enemy must not be underestimated. We must prepare thoroughly before launching the general offensive."

"Absolutely true!" Jiang Mingyu affirmed. "We shall spare no effort to win!"

With that, he ordered drums beaten to assemble the troops for the battle deployment.

The thunderous beat of war drums erupted from the camp, drowning out cicadas and flowing water, stirring blood and fire. Under Jiang Mingyu's command, the soldiers lined up in orderly ranks, awaiting their commander's orders.

"Brothers, we've crossed vast grasslands together, drunk from the same river—today, we stand at the threshold of a new era!" Jiang Mingyu's gaze burned as he swept over the troops before him.

"That's right, my lord! We're all young, fierce, and righteous—just give the word, and we'll storm the capital!" Li Goudan shouted.

"Brother Jiang says the word, and we're right behind him!" Zhang Jiaqi clenched her fists in excitement.

"Good brothers, I've summoned you here today to issue orders for the northern campaign..." Jiang Mingyu began to lay out his plan, when suddenly a figure entered slowly through the side entrance.

Wasn't that Zhang Jiani! Jiang Mingyu's face darkened; he barked sharply: "How did you get here? Didn't I tell you to rest and heal your wounds?"

"My lord, my wounds are nearly healed—I cannot stand by while you risk your lives!" Zhang Jiani declared firmly. "I want to lend my strength, to fight to the death against our enemies!"

"This northern campaign is too dangerous—I won't let you risk yourself!" Jiang Mingyu's tone was firm.

"You underestimate me." Zhang Jiani refused to yield. "I want to contribute to this movement—let me take the battlefield!"

"Jiani, I only wish you to stay far from the battlefield, far from this bloody frenzy." Jiang Mingyu spoke earnestly.

"My lord, I do not seek longevity—I wish only to stand shoulder to shoulder with valiant warriors!" Zhang Jiani declared resolutely.

The two argued. Tukesulu, watching anxiously, interjected: "Jiani, are you truly fully recovered? That arrow wound wasn't shallow—how could you heal so quickly? I find it hard to believe."

"Don't worry—I'm nearly back to full strength. Don't fret over me," Zhang Jiani insisted.

Tukesulu opened his mouth to say more, but Zhang Jiani smiled and waved him off: "Enough talk—we'll catch up later. Right now, listen to Brother's battle orders."

Jiang Mingyu watched Zhang Jiani, who still looked somewhat weak but brimmed with spirit, and felt deep concern. Yet he realized a woman's resolve could not be swayed by a few words. Finally, he nodded reluctantly and allowed her to join the northern campaign.

Jiang Mingyu surveyed the crowd. Seeing Zhang Jiani's vigor despite her frailty, he announced: "As you know, our forces now hold many key positions in the northern frontier of Da Feng. This is the perfect moment to strike south. I have decided: tomorrow, we divide into three columns and seize Taizhou, Jingzhou, and Guizhou with a force of 150, 00!"

"Take the three prefectures, strike straight at the dragon's lair, and unify Da Feng!" His voice rang out, brimming with boldness. The officers, hearing this, all burned with ambition, eager to charge.

"Listen to orders!" Jiang Mingyu commanded. The officers instantly stilled their smiles, standing at rigid attention.

"Tukesulu, Li Goudan—you two will lead 50, 00 troops from Lanzhou, take the route to Guizhou!" Jiang Mingyu ordered decisively.

In truth, sending Tukesulu to Lanzhou carried Jiang Mingyu's private motive—there lived his most important person, Liu Yifei. With Tukesulu stationed there, Liu Yifei would be safe.

Jiang Mingyu then ordered Zhuge Yu and Zhang Jiani to march south and capture Taizhou. He had wished for the two to fight side by side, but he feared leaving Zhuge Yu alone—so he sent Zhang Jiani along to watch over him.

As for himself, Jiang Mingyu would lead the main force directly against Jingzhou, to annihilate Hou Fei once and for all. This bitter feud, he vowed to settle with his own hands.

Zhang Jiaqi's face lit up with joy—she had always wanted to stay close to Jiang Mingyu. How could she miss this chance? She swore to guard his back, to fight shoulder to shoulder with him!

The other officers received their orders, each brimming with morale. With three armies poised to seize three cities, glory and riches lay within reach.

After the officers withdrew, Zhuge Yu wished to warn Jiang Mingyu of assassins, but Jiang Mingyu waved him off. "Assassins swarm the capital. Even if we kill one or two, more will come endlessly."

"Rather than live in fear, ignore them. Focus on Hou Fei. When he dies, the assassins vanish."

Jiang Mingyu spoke with unwavering resolve. Zhang Jiaqi added: "Master Zhuge, don't worry—I, Zhang Jiaqi, will guard him with my life. Brother Jiang will unify Da Feng!"

Jiang Mingyu, struck by her fierce spirit, felt both pride and quiet doubt—could she truly have feelings for him? He would find out, once the great matter was settled.

After the success at Xiangcangzhou, Zhuge Yu settled all city affairs before preparing to lead his troops into campaign. Though this frontier town was important, to Zhuge Yu it was but a minor matter compared to the coming northern campaign. His lifelong vow remained: to aid Jiang Mingyu in completing his ancestral mission and sweeping away the corrupt forces.

That night, after the army was fully assembled, Jiang Mingyu and his officers drank deep into the night, toasting to a reunion uncertain in time. At dawn the next day, they bade farewell with heavy hearts and set out. Jiang Mingyu watched Tukesulu and the others fade into the distance, his heart a tangle of emotions.

This parting was sorrowful, yet for their ideal, all had accepted it. Jiang Mingyu rested briefly, then summoned Zhang Jiaqi. "The army is ready—we must move out."

Zhang Jiaqi hurried to prepare. Soon, the 50, 00-strong force formed a solid array, fully armed and ready. Jiang Mingyu sat atop his horse, gazing at the mighty column, his chest swelling with grandeur.

"All troops, listen! March on Jingzhou—advance!" he roared. Fifty thousand soldiers surged forward, their momentum like a storm.

In the distance, the city of Jingzhou grew larger under Jiang Mingyu's gaze—he whispered to himself: "Hou Fei, our reckoning is at hand. Jiang Mou has returned."

Three days later, the relentless northern army neared the borders of Jingzhou.

"We've entered Jingzhou territory!" Zhang Jiaqi called out.

Jiang Mingyu looked ahead: a prosperous border city rose before them, its towering walls lined with defenders.

"Hou Fei, our paths have crossed again—today, I settle this feud!" Jiang Mingyu murmured, then pressed forward with unshakable resolve.