Chapter 245: Banquet Assassination

Not long after, Jiang Mingyu received two pieces of good news, filling him with overwhelming joy.

First, his trusted agent Tukesiluo, dispatched to Guizhou, had swiftly captured two counties of the state, his momentum now fierce and unstoppable.

Jiang Mingyu immediately dispatched large quantities of grain and supplies to Tukesiluo's encampment to reward the troops. He also swiftly spread the news throughout the army, greatly boosting morale.

Jiang Mingyu was still basking in his joy when, just two hours later, Zhuge Yu sent another report of victory.

His trusted agent Zhuge Yu, sent to the Taizhou front, had also made brilliant strides: not only had he captured an important city, but he had also successfully persuaded twenty thousand soldiers to surrender.

Zhuge Yu's achievements filled Jiang Mingyu with great delight, proving he had not misjudged the man—Zhuge Yu was indeed a talent to be nurtured, destined for great things. Jiang Mingyu immediately ordered his subordinates to spread news of both Tukesiluo's and Zhuge Yu's victories, further lifting troop morale.

Meanwhile, Tukesiluo's messenger specifically conveyed his message: Liu Yifei, overseeing business in Lanzhou, Guizhou, was safe and well. Jiang Mingyu nodded politely in thanks, but inwardly he saw through it—Liu Yifei's ambitions would never be satisfied here.

She would eventually follow Tukesiluo's army southward, expanding her influence and seizing more trade routes. Jiang Mingyu was no longer surprised by this; as long as her actions did not threaten the grand plan, he chose to turn a blind eye.

All signs indicated that Jiang Mingyu's northern campaign was now in a phase of rapid, unimpeded advancement. He decisively resolved to immediately launch an attack on another county within Jingzhou—Lian'an County—pressing the advantage and pushing his forces further.

"Transmit my order: mobilize the army immediately and advance southward to capture Lian'an County!" Jiang Mingyu's eyes gleamed with martial vigor, his voice loud and commanding, radiating bold ambition.

"Yes! I'll prepare at once!" Tian Jiu, infected by his passion, responded eagerly and moved with utmost speed to mobilize the troops. He knew this was a rare chance to distinguish himself under Jiang Mingyu's command and earn great merit.

Jiang Mingyu lightly patted Tian Jiu's shoulder and smiled. "Good. I trust your ability. Go—but be cautious in all things."

Tian Jiu bowed respectfully and withdrew from the command tent. He understood this was Jiang Mingyu's gift of opportunity—he must give his all, without the slightest slackness.

With half an hour remaining before the assault on Lian'an County, Jiang Mingyu summoned Tian Jiu again to inquire about his knowledge of the county.

Tian Jiu replied concisely: "Lian'an County lies within Jingzhou's jurisdiction. Its garrison numbers no more than thirty thousand, commanded by Hu Han Na, a close confidant of Fei Hou. The city is not as fortified as Guangshui. With our hundred-thousand-strong army, its fall is merely a matter of time."

Jiang Mingyu nodded, then probed: "Can you attempt to persuade Hu Han Na to defect?" Tian Jiu immediately shook his head: Hu Han Na was utterly loyal—impossible to bribe or sway.

With that, Jiang Mingyu decisively ordered a direct assault on Lian'an County. Tian Jiu promptly volunteered to lead the vanguard. Jiang Mingyu readily granted him forty thousand troops to command the siege.

"My lord, your life-saving grace is beyond repayment. I've had no chance until now, but as I prepare to depart, I've reserved a banquet at a tavern in town to offer my humble gratitude."

"I humbly beg you and Miss Zhang to grace it with your presence—I am deeply grateful."

Jiang Mingyu smiled.

"Very well. Tomorrow we march—tonight, let us relax a little."

Without further ceremony, he strode out the door.

Zhuxian Pavilion stood at the heart of Guangshui City, one of its top-tier taverns. Though war raged outside, its entrance remained bustling, with a constant stream of patrons.

Jiang Mingyu's northern campaign had surged forward triumphantly, yet he had always been discreet—after capturing cities, he avoided disturbing the populace. Seeing the table laden with rare delicacies, Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly—he understood Tian Jiu's thoughtfulness.

Since arriving in this world, moments when Jiang Mingyu could leisurely enjoy fine wine and food were few and far between. Back in his hometown of Shangmu, he had lived in poverty; later, he had been constantly on the move, fighting on battlefields. Opportunities to sit with trusted subordinates and rest in peace were nearly nonexistent.

After the three sat down, Tian Jiu picked up the wine jug to pour for Jiang Mingyu. At that moment, Zhang Jiaqi cried out sharply: "Wait!"

She withdrew a silver hairpin from her sleeve and carefully inspected every dish and drink, fearing poison.

Tian Jiu felt slightly embarrassed; Jiang Mingyu understood Zhang Jiaqi's caution was not unfounded—when he had returned victorious before, he had been poisoned at a banquet.

"General Tian, we are allies—no need for such formality," Jiang Mingyu said with a smile, gesturing for Zhang Jiaqi to confirm the food was safe.

The three resumed their cheerful conversation, raising cups in toast. Midway through, Zhang Jiaqi blushed and said she needed to step out—her demeanor seemed uneasy.

Jiang Mingyu understood. In the modern world, a girl in such a situation could simply say she was going to the restroom. Here, in the harsh life of a marching army, she truly suffered.

The two exchanged a knowing smile. Jiang Mingyu suggested they wait for Zhang Jiaqi's return and shift to lighter topics.

Soon after, a servant entered carrying a roasted fish, claiming it was a gift from the owner. But his eyes flashed with malice—he suddenly drew a sharp dagger and lunged at Jiang Mingyu!

Jiang Mingyu gasped and dodged just in time—the blade only sliced through his sleeve. Seeing his attack failed, the servant pulled a dagger and aimed for Jiang Mingyu's back.

At the critical moment, a sharp cry rang from outside: "Stop!" Zhang Jiaqi burst through the door, sword drawn, intercepting the second strike.

Tian Jiu, close behind, drew his saber and slashed at the assassin: "Harm my lord, and die!"

The assassin, unable to evade, was wounded in the arm. Zhang Jiaqi seized the chance to shield Jiang Mingyu and retreated toward the exit, shouting: "Clear the way! Get out of the way!"

Jiang Mingyu did not hesitate—he sprinted for the door. At that instant, the assassin pulled a hidden projectile and hurled it at Jiang Mingyu's back!

"Watch out!" Zhang Jiaqi spotted it in time and leaped in front of Jiang Mingyu. A sharp *hiss*—the projectile struck her arm, blood spurting instantly.

"Jiaqi!" Jiang Mingyu's heart clenched, but he had no choice—he had to flee with her beyond the assassin's reach.

As Tian Jiu clashed with the servant, a cold voice rang from outside: "Jiang Mingyu, you won't escape!"

A man in black clothing shot into the room like lightning—his blade flashed, illuminating the entire private chamber. Jiang Mingyu's eyes widened in shock—he spun back inside.

The black-clad man's blade swept with lethal force, about to sever Jiang Mingyu's neck. Zhang Jiaqi, swift and sharp, blocked it with her sword, halting the fatal strike.

Her eyes burned red as she swung a heavy slash at the assassin's throat. He could not dodge—the blade severed his neck, blood gushing forth.

"Both of you, be cautious!" Jiang Mingyu warned. Zhang Jiaqi and Tian Jiu understood—they joined forces against the black-clad killer.

After several exchanges, the assassin's defenses crumbled—Tian Jiu drove his blade through his chest.

At that moment, the servant, seeing his chance lost, swung his broken blade toward Jiang Mingyu. Zhang Jiaqi leaped into the air, slashed through his weapon, and sent him flying several zhang away.

"Flee quickly! These assassins are treacherous—do not underestimate them!" Zhang Jiaqi turned to Jiang Mingyu and warned.

As Jiang Mingyu ran for the exit, the servant, desperate, pulled a strange sphere from his robe and hurled it at Jiang Mingyu!

"Watch out!" Zhang Jiaqi turned back to shield him—the sphere exploded in her hand, filling the room with thick smoke, blinding all vision.

When the smoke cleared, the servant was gone. Jiang Mingyu ordered the city gates sealed and a full search launched, fearing other assassins might be hiding within.

"Jiaqi, thanks to you, I escaped death. Are you hurt?" Jiang Mingyu asked anxiously.

"I'm fine—it's my duty," Zhang Jiaqi replied, wincing in pain.

Tian Jiu's face was filled with shame: "I was negligent in guarding you—this disaster is my fault. I will uncover the mastermind behind this!"

Jiang Mingyu knew this was Fei Hou's doing—his inner fury surged. He must eradicate the root, or he could never achieve his grand ambitions!

That night, Jiang Mingyu sat in his tent, staring at the Tiger Talisman Blade, murmuring to himself: "Fei Hou, your schemes and assassinations are nothing but the last gasps of a dying man. I swear you will learn—how vast your ambition, so vast your stage."