Chapter 249: Revealing Heart and Soul

Seeing Jiang Mingyu in good spirits, Tian Jiu finally reported.

"Lord, this is our battle report," Tian Jiu handed Jiang Mingyu a sheet of paper, his face beaming with joy. "We annihilated nearly eight thousand enemy troops and lost only two thousand of our own—this is a great victory!"

Jiang Mingyu took the report, read it carefully, then smiled and said, "Good, good! General Tian, you've rendered outstanding service. Tonight, I'll host a banquet to honor you!"

Tian Jiu hastily bowed in humility. "Lord, you flatter me. This victory is entirely due to your wisdom and might. I merely did my part."

He paused, then asked, "Lord, why did you order the pursuit halted at thirty li? If we'd chased a few more li, we might have wiped out the entire enemy force."

Jiang Mingyu shook his head. "General Tian, you know we're deep in enemy territory with no reinforcements. If we chase glory without regard for consequences, we risk ambush. Fei Hou is dead, but his subordinates remain. They may set traps along the road or seek aid from other parts of Jingzhou."

"We must not take reckless risks. We must advance steadily. Many challenges lie ahead in Jingzhou—we must proceed with caution. If we encounter a strong enemy or dire predicament, we may not escape."

Hearing Jiang Mingyu's analysis, Tian Jiu felt reluctant but knew it was sound. He nodded reluctantly. "Lord is right. I overthought it. Please forgive me."

Jiang Mingyu smiled and patted his shoulder. "General Tian, don't blame yourself. You're my fiercest general—I've noted every deed of yours. Return to camp and rest. I have matters to discuss with you tonight."

Tian Jiu responded and took his leave.

That night, Jiang Mingyu sat alone in his tent, contemplating future strategy. He gazed at the stars on the horizon, pondering how to strike at Jingzhou's heartland.

Zhang Jiaqi stood beside him, ever vigilant against any possible threat.

"Miss Zhang," Jiang Mingyu suddenly turned to her. "Do you think I was too cautious in halting the pursuit? Had I pressed forward further, we might have stormed directly into Jingzhou."

"This was a wise decision, Brother," Zhang Jiaqi affirmed. "Chasing enemies greedily invites disaster. You will advance methodically, giving the enemy no opening."

Jiang Mingyu felt comforted by her words. He asked, "What do you think Fei Hou feels now, upon learning of his defeat?"

"He must be trembling with terror, utterly hopeless!" Zhang Jiaqi declared without mercy. "If you launch one more assault, Fei Hou will be utterly destroyed!"

Jiang Mingyu nodded, a flash of resolve in his eyes. "Then let us fight again tomorrow—for the sake of all living beings."

Zhang Jiaqi nodded as well. "I will always stand by you, Brother Jiang. I serve you with all my heart."

They exchanged a quiet smile and resumed discussing battle plans.

"By the way, Brother Jiang, this is a messenger from Cangzhou," Zhang Jiaqi said. "It's from Yi Fei."

Jiang Mingyu took the letter, opened it, and read:

"Brother Jiang:

Since you departed for war, I've worried day and night for your safety. Hearing of your repeated victories, I'm both joyful and anxious—joyful that you serve the nation and people, anxious that you return alive. I know you have Miss Zhang beside you—she's intelligent and capable; cherish her. But remember, there is still one person who waits for you always. That person is me.

When you return, we will hold our wedding. I've already begun preparing my bridal gown and dowry. I long for that day, long to see you, to embrace you. I hope you end this war soon and return safely. I am waiting here for you.

Yi Fei"

After reading the letter, Jiang Mingyu's eyes softened with tenderness and longing. He tucked it away and said to Zhang Jiaqi, "Thank you for delivering this letter."

Zhang Jiaqi watched his expression, a pang of bitterness in her heart. She knew his feelings for Liu Yifei ran deep, and she knew she was merely a helper to him. Yet she could not give up—she still wanted to fight for him.

"Brother Jiang," she whispered, "everything you asked has been done. The messenger has departed back to Cangzhou."

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly. "You've worked hard, Jiaqi. Without you beside me, our army could never have achieved today's victory."

Hearing his praise, Zhang Jiaqi blushed, her heart pounding—had Brother Jiang noticed her feelings? She dared not meet his gaze, only murmured, "It's my duty. You honor me too much."

Jiang Mingyu sensed her unease and understood her heart. Zhang Jiaqi harbored feelings beyond friendship, but he had already pledged himself to Liu Yifei—he could not betray her years of loyal support.

So he spoke: "Jiaqi, you and I both know I've long been betrothed to Yi Fei. We've been like siblings since childhood, bound by deep affection…"

Zhang Jiaqi's heart tightened. She knew their bond, knew the sacrifices Yi Fei had made for Jiang Mingyu. Yet her resentment flared—had her own battles, her own loyalty meant nothing?

"Brother Jiang, I don't care about that," she said, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "You know how much I care for you. You understand my heart…"

Her face flushed crimson. In this age, for a woman to confess love so openly was unthinkable.

But Jiang Mingyu was stunned by her candor. He had never expected such directness—he felt helpless and guilty.

"Jiaqi, we are both wanderers of the martial world…" he began to reason.

"What now?" Zhang Jiaqi cut him off, voice trembling with emotion. "Yi Fei has labored for you—does my service mean nothing?"

Jiang Mingyu sighed. "Jiaqi, I know your heart. I see it clearly. But I cannot betray Yi Fei's years of devotion and trust."

Zhang Jiaqi's eyes burned with fury—she felt her love and sacrifice dismissed.

"Fine. If that's how it is, I won't trouble you further!" She turned and ran off, leaving Jiang Mingyu standing alone in silence.

Jiang Mingyu knew his words had wounded her, but a swift pain was better than endless torment later.

He believed she would understand—that she would find a better fate. For now, he could only sigh and walk away.