Chapter 245: Assassination at the Banquet

A few days later, Jiang Jiang Mingyu received two pieces of good news with great joy.

First, Tuke Tuke Siluo, his trusted aide dispatched to Guizhou, had already captured two commanderies and counties in that province with lightning speed; his army's momentum was as sharp as a rainbow.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately allocated large quantities of grain and supplies to Tuke Tuke Siluo's garrison to reward the three armies. At the same time, he swiftly spread this good news throughout the entire army to greatly boost morale and fighting spirit.

While Jiang Jiang Mingyu was still immersed in his joy, only two hours had passed when Zhu Ge Yu sent another wave of good news.

It turned out that Zhu Ge Yu, his trusted aide dispatched to the Taizhou front, had also made great strides there, not only capturing one important city but also successfully persuading twenty thousand people to surrender.

Zhu Ge Yu's achievements made Jiang Jiang Mingyu very pleased, proving he had indeed not misjudged him; Zhu Ge Yu was a promising talent who would surely achieve great things in the future. Thus, Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately ordered his subordinates to simultaneously spread the good news from both Tuke Tuke Siluo and Zhu Ge Yu's fronts to further boost morale and make the fighting spirit soar.

At the same time, Tuke Tuke Siluo's messenger specifically conveyed his verbal message, saying that Liu Liu Yifei, who was looking after business in Lanzhou, Guizhou, was doing well. Although Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded and thanked him on the surface, deep down he had already seen through it; Liu Liu Yifei's ambition would certainly not be satisfied with this.

Sooner or later, she would follow Tuke Tuke Siluo's army southward to further open up the situation and swallow up more trade routes. Jiang Jiang Mingyu was already used to this; as long as her actions did not harm the overall situation, Jiang Jiang Mingyu would simply turn a blind eye.

Various signs indicated that Jiang Jiang Mingyu's grand expedition northward was in a stage of rapid advance and smooth sailing. Thus, Jiang Jiang Mingyu decisively decided to immediately send troops to capture another commandery within Jingzhou territory, Lin'an Commandery, to pursue the victory and continue pushing forward the army's momentum.

"Issue my military order: immediately reorganize the army and march south, going all out to capture Lin'an Commandery!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes flashed with majestic light, his voice was loud and powerful, and his tone revealed an ambitious spirit.

"Yes! I will go prepare immediately!" Tian Jiu, also infected by his passion, immediately responded bravely and reorganized the army to march south at the fastest speed. He knew very well that this was a great opportunity to stand out and establish meritorious service under Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu lightly patted Tian Jiu's shoulder and smiled, saying, "Good, I believe in your ability. Go, but be careful in all things!"

Tian Jiu clasped his hands to receive the order and respectfully withdrew from the main tent. He understood this was a great opportunity Jiang Jiang Mingyu had given him to establish merit; he must go all out and not slack off even a little.

At this time, half an hour before the attack on Lin'an Commandery, Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered someone to summon Tian Jiu again to ask about his understanding of Lin'an Commandery.

Tian Jiu spoke concisely, saying, "Lin'an Commandery belongs to Jingzhou territory. The defending army numbers no more than thirty thousand, commanded by Fei Hou's trusted aide, Hu Han Na. The city is not as strong as Guangshui; with a hundred thousand troops, Your Highness capturing it is only a matter of time."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded, then tentatively asked Tian Jiu if he could persuade Hu Han Na to surrender. Tian Jiu immediately shook his head, saying Hu Han Na was extremely loyal and could not be persuaded to surrender at all.

Since that was the case, Jiang Jiang Mingyu decisively decided to directly attack Lin'an Commandery. Tian Jiu immediately volunteered to lead the vanguard. Jiang Jiang Mingyu readily gave him forty thousand troops to be in charge of this siege battle.

"Yes, Your Highness. I have no way to repay your great life-saving grace. I haven't had time before, but as I am about to go on campaign, before parting, I have reserved a table of wine and dishes at a restaurant in the city to express my humble gratitude."

"Please, Your Highness and Miss Zhang, take the time to honor me with your presence; I would be infinitely grateful."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled.

"Very well. Since we march tomorrow, let us relax a little today."

Saying this, he no longer stood on ceremony, took long strides, and headed out the door.

The Zhu Xian Lou was located in the center of Guangshui City, one of the top high-end restaurants in the area. Although war raged outside, the facade of the Ding Xuan Lou was still exceptionally lively, with a continuous stream of passersby.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's northward expedition had been advancing rapidly, but he had always been low-key and did not disturb the people excessively after capturing cities. Seeing the mountains of delicacies already set out in the Zhu Xian Lou, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but smile slightly; he understood Tian Jiu's intention.

Since Jiang Jiang Mingyu came to this world, moments where he could leisurely enjoy fine wine and delicacies like this were few and far between. When he was at home in Shangmu, times were poor; later, he had been rushing nonstop from battlefield to battlefield. The opportunity to gather with trusted aides and rest in detail was extremely rare.

After the three took their seats, Tian Jiu picked up the wine pot to toast Jiang Jiang Mingyu. Just then, Zhang Zhang Jiaqi hurriedly spoke up to stop him: "Wait!"

Saying this, she took a silver hairpin from her sleeve and carefully inspected the wine and dishes on the table, fearing someone had tampered with the food and drink.

Tian Jiu felt slightly embarrassed. Jiang Jiang Mingyu also understood that Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's caution was not without reason—when Jiang Jiang Mingyu had returned victorious before, he had also been attacked at a banquet.

"General Tian, we are our own people; no need to take offense," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said with a smile, indicating that as long as Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's inspection showed it was safe, that was enough.

The three resumed their cheerful mood, raising their cups to drink freely. Halfway through the conversation, Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, her face red, said she needed to go out for a bit, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood, thinking that in modern times, a young lady could rightfully say she was going to the restroom when embarrassed. In this ancient era of living with the army, they indeed suffered hardships.

The two exchanged a smile. Jiang Jiang Mingyu suggested that when Zhang Zhang Jiaqi returned, they would talk about some lighthearted topics.

Not long after, a young servant carrying a roasted fish pushed the door open, claiming it was a gift from the owner. Who knew this fellow's eyes showed a fierce light; he suddenly drew a sharp knife and stabbed at Jiang Jiang Mingyu!

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was greatly alarmed and quickly dodged; fortunately, the blade only sliced through his sleeve. Seeing the situation was unfavorable, the fellow took out a dagger and tried to stab Jiang Jiang Mingyu in the back.

Just at the critical moment, a delicate shout suddenly came from outside the door: "Fire!" Zhang Zhang Jiaqi was seen rushing in from outside the door with her sword drawn, blocking the villain's second assassination attempt.

Tian Jiu, following closely behind, quickly drew his sword and slashed at the villain: "Do not harm my lord!"

The villain could not dodge in time and was cut on the arm. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi took the opportunity to protect Jiang Jiang Mingyu and retreat outward, shouting at the same time: "Move aside! Move aside quickly!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not hesitate and ran toward the door. Just then, the villain took a hidden weapon from his chest and threw it fiercely at Jiang Jiang Mingyu's back!

"Watch out!" Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, with sharp eyes, saw it and immediately leaped to protect herself in front of Jiang Jiang Mingyu. Only a "hiss" was heard; the hidden weapon struck Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's arm squarely, and blood instantly sprayed out.

"Zhang Jiaqi!" A tightness gripped Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart, but at the moment, he could only take her and quickly leave the villain's range of attack.

Just as Tian Jiu drew his sword and fought with the young servant, a cold shout suddenly came from outside the door: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, do not think you can escape!"

A man dressed in black was seen rushing in like lightning; the sword light instantly illuminated the entire private room. Jiang Jiang Mingyu was terrified and quickly turned back into the room.

The black-clad man's sword momentum was fierce, and it looked as if he was about to strike Jiang Jiang Mingyu's back. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, with sharp eyes and quick hands, blocked horizontally with her sword, forcibly parrying this fatal strike.

Her eyes were bloodshot; she swung a heavy sword strike at the black-clad man's neck. The man could not dodge in time, and blood gushed out.

"Both of you, be cautious!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu reminded. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi and Tian Jiu understood and simultaneously joined forces to deal with this black-clad assassin.

After exchanging several moves, the black-clad man finally showed flaws everywhere and was pierced through the heart by Tian Jiu's sword.

Just then, seeing the situation was unfavorable, the young servant swung a broken blade and launched a surprise attack toward where Jiang Jiang Mingyu was. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi leaped into the air, cut the man's sword with one strike, and knocked him flying several zhang.

"Flee quickly! These villains are treacherous and cunning; do not underestimate them!" Zhang Zhang Jiaqi turned and instructed Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu ran outward, the young servant, seeing he was about to fail, thought quickly and took a strange sphere from his chest, throwing it at Jiang Jiang Mingyu!

"Watch out!" Zhang Zhang Jiaqi turned back to save him again. The sphere exploded in her hand, instantly filling the air with thick smoke, obscuring everything in front.

When the smoke cleared, the young servant was already nowhere to be found. Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered the city gates closed and a search launched, fearing the villain might have other accomplices mixed into the city.

"Zhang Jiaqi, thanks to your rescue, I was spared. Are you injured?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked with concern.

"I am fine; this is all my duty," Zhang Zhang Jiaqi said, shaking her head painfully.

Tian Jiu also looked full of shame: "It was my negligence in defense that caused you both to suffer this incident. I will definitely find out the mastermind behind this!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew this must have been Fei Hou's doing; the killing intent gathering in his heart grew even stronger. He must cut off the roots to achieve great things!

That night, Jiang Jiang Mingyu sat in his tent in deep thought, holding the tiger tally and knife, talking to himself: "Fei Hou, your schemes and assassinations are nothing but the struggles of a dying man. I swear to make you know: where the heart is, the stage is!"