Chapter 250: The Bitterest Pain of Love Is a Land Where Not a Blade of Grass Grows

The next morning, Zhang Jiaqi did not come to the tent as usual to report military affairs; Jiang Mingyu understood she was still angry.

"Go and invite Miss Zhang to advise on military strategy," he told his attendant.

The attendant returned shortly: "My lord, Miss Zhang says she is unwell and cannot come to offer counsel."

Jiang Mingyu sighed inwardly, knowing Zhang Jiaqi was still hurt by his words. But circumstances forced his hand—he could only let her be.

Several days passed, and Zhang Jiaqi finally reappeared before Jiang Mingyu. But her face was pale, her expression dull, no longer the vibrant woman she had been.

"Jiaqi, you…" Jiang Mingyu began, then fell silent.

"Say no more!" Zhang Jiaqi turned her face away. "I understand your reasons. Our bond is over. I will leave and no longer trouble you."

Jiang Mingyu sighed. "We've been like brothers and sisters. Why must you be so final?"

Zhang Jiaqi had already turned to leave, leaving only faint words behind: "The bitterest pain of love is a land where not a blade of grass grows…"

Jiang Mingyu watched her retreating back, his heart filled with conflicting emotions. He recalled how they had met and come to know each other, all she had done for him. He could not bear to see her hurt, yet he could not change his heart.

He thought of Liu Yifei, of her promises and hopes for him. A deep, unspoken guilt and gratitude stirred within him. He knew she was the woman he loved most in this life, and he was the man she loved most. He resolved to end the war as soon as possible and return to her side.

He took out the letter Liu Yifei had given him and read it again carefully. The handwriting was elegant and firm, revealing her deep affection and trust. He gently kissed the paper and placed it against his chest.

"Yifei, I'll be back soon," he whispered to himself. "When I return, let us marry."

As Jiang Mingyu sat alone in gloom, Tian Jiu rushed in, face alight with excitement: "My lord, we've taken Lin'an! It's time to march on Wenzhi!"

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, gesturing for him to sit. "General Tian, you know how many battles we've fought since leaving Jingzhou. Our soldiers are exhausted. I've ordered five days of rest. We march after that."

Tian Jiu grew impatient. He saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance. "My lord, Wenzhi is Fei Hou's stronghold. If we seize it now, he'll have no retreat. Our momentum is at its peak—we must not slacken!"

Jiang Mingyu shook his head. "General Tian, you underestimate Fei Hou. He's not so easily broken. Did you know over twenty thousand troops escaped Lin'an? They have only one place to go—Wenzhi. When we attack, we won't face thirty thousand—we'll face fifty thousand."

Tian Jiu dismissed this. "My lord, you worry too much. Fei Hou's reputation in Jingzhou is infamous—his troops are demoralized. Many have already defected to Prince Wang of Guizhou. We have a hundred thousand elite soldiers. Why fear them?"

He stood, pounding his chest. "My lord, grant me the vanguard post. Let me lead the elite forward. If I fail, behead me to prove my resolve!"

Jiang Mingyu, seeing his fiery spirit, could not dampen his enthusiasm. After a moment's thought, he agreed. "Very well, General Tian. Since you're so confident, you shall lead the vanguard. But remember—Wenzhi is no Lin'an. Be cautious. Do not underestimate the enemy."

Tian Jiu was overjoyed, bowed deeply, and swore he would earn great merit for his lord.

The scout returned with a detailed report on the situation outside Lin'an: the ambush force had never existed. Jiang Mingyu's decision to halt pursuit had indeed been overly cautious.

Hearing the report, Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, but a chill stirred within him: "Now this is interesting…"

The scout, somewhat disgruntled, said: "My lord, had General Tian pursued fully then, he could have annihilated the fleeing troops. What a wasted opportunity."

Jiang Mingyu felt no regret. "It's easy to be wise after the fact. How could I have been certain the enemy wasn't deceiving me? If I'd chased a small victory and grown careless, how could I answer to the fallen?"

The scout finally understood. Jiang Mingyu had considered morale and righteousness—his own vision had been too narrow. He bowed deeply and withdrew.

Jiang Mingyu stared alone at the map, his finger tapping the capital. "Fei Hou, our paths are nearly crossed… I wonder what expression you'll wear when we meet."

With that, he walked through the corridor to a private chamber to rest. Days of relentless travel had left him exhausted.

Lying on the wooden bed, fragments of memory flashed through Jiang Mingyu's mind: his impoverished youth, the bright future after passing the imperial exam, the glory of being named top scholar…

Past memories replayed in his mind, keeping him awake. Suddenly, a beautiful face appeared—his fiancée, his longtime friend Liu Yifei.

Thinking of how she had tirelessly worked day and night to secure supplies for him, Jiang Mingyu felt profound gratitude. It was her support behind him that had allowed him to campaign north without worry.

How was she now? Was she still Benbolaolu for supplies? Could he end the southern campaign soon and reunite with her? These thoughts kept Jiang Mingyu awake long into the night.

That morning, as Jiang Mingyu ate breakfast, Zhang Jiaqi burst in like a whirlwind, her expression agitated.

Jiang Mingyu hurried to invite her to sit, but she smiled awkwardly. "No need. After careful thought, I've made my decision—I won't back down."

Jiang Mingyu sighed. "Jiaqi, you and Yifei are like sisters…"

"Please, Brother Jiang, say no more!" Zhang Jiaqi said firmly. "My mind is made up. Give me a chance to prove myself."

Jiang Mingyu, helpless, urged her to reconsider—but she turned and left.

This young woman is a fiery little spark, Jiang Mingyu thought. He knew one plea was useless—he could only let her go.

That noon, Zhang Jiaqi reported all defenses were ready. Jiang Mingyu sighed. "You've worked hard. I know what's in your heart, but this matter is grave—think again."

"My lord, you overstate it. This is my duty," Zhang Jiaqi said, turning her face away.

Jiang Mingyu ceased his Quanshuo and told her to rest. A flicker of joy crossed her face; she bowed and withdrew quickly.

For days, the city remained quiet, the sound of troop drills rising and falling. On the fourth morning, a carriage rushed into the city. A middle-aged scholar with half-gray hair stepped down and walked straight to Jiang Mingyu, kneeling.

"I am the newly appointed Inspector Ge Yangyu, here to pay my respects to my lord."

Jiang Mingyu smiled warmly. "Ah, Inspector Ge—I've long heard your name."

Ge Yangyu hurried to reply: "My lord, I'm but a minor official from Dianzhou—you honor me too much." He then respectfully presented a letter of recommendation from Zhu Ge Yu.

Jiang Mingyu did not even look at it. "Since Yu'er recommended you, you must be capable. Inspector Ge, rest first, settle your belongings. We'll discuss your duties later."

Ge Yangyu bowed again. "My lord, I have some modest knowledge—may I humbly seek your guidance?"

Jiang Mingyu laughed. "Inspector Ge, you flatter me. We've never met before—how can I teach you? Ask whatever you wish."

Ge Yangyu said: "My lord, your insight is piercing—I dare not hide anything. We've heard your army marches south and will achieve great things. We, your subjects, will spare no effort to aid you and repay your favor."

Jiang Mingyu burst into laughter, clapping Ge Yangyu on the shoulder. "Good! Good! Inspector Ge, you're exactly the kind of man I like. Keep this campaign secret. I'll reward you handsomely later!"

Ge Yangyu bowed repeatedly, swearing solemnly he would keep silence. Jiang Mingyu also instructed him to govern the region wisely to support the greater cause.

After Ge Yangyu withdrew, Jiang Mingyu rode alone to the city wall and gazed into the distance.

Meanwhile, a eunuch rushed into Chongzheng Hall, clutching a battle report. Fei Hou's face darkened as he slammed his fist on the table. "Another defeat report! The useless fools I've raised are worse than dogs!"

The three court ministers trembled like leaves, terrified of becoming the target of his rage. The eunuch dared not move, searching for a chance to slip away.

But Fei Hou had spotted the report. "Stop! What now?"

The eunuch stepped forward, kneeling and trembling. "Your Majesty, Lin'an has fallen again. Jiang Mingyu has taken it—he will surely attack Wenzhi next…"

Before he finished, the eunuch was terrified. But Fei Hou merely laughed coldly. "Good. Perfect."

The eunuch looked up in shock. The ministers exchanged bewildered glances.

Fei Hou said coldly: "You rigid fools lack decisiveness—you'll never accomplish anything great."

He rose and walked to the window, gazing at the distant sky, a cunning, sinister gleam in his eyes. "Do you know? Jiang Mingyu is a fool. He thinks taking Lin'an threatens me? He thinks capturing Wenzhi will break me? He's wrong."

The eunuch dared to ask: "Your Majesty… you mean…"

Fei Hou turned, his voice icy. "I mean I've already prepared. Jiang Mingyu is walking straight into my trap. Send orders to Li Pu and Fei Yun. Follow the plan. Do not engage him directly until he reaches Wenzhi. Only delay him."

The eunuch trembled. "Your Majesty… what are you planning?"

Fei Hou's lips curled into a wicked smile. "What am I planning? Just wait and see. I'll make Jiang Mingyu understand what it means to be envied by heaven."

With that, he waved the eunuch away. The eunuch hurried off, bowing deeply.

Fei Hou turned back to the window, a strange, mad joy swelling in his chest. "Jiang Mingyu, Jiang Mingyu! You think you can pacify the south? You think you can live happily with Liu Yifei? You're wrong. Terribly wrong. You're nothing but a pawn in my hands. I'll make you suffer every torment of hell—make you wish you were dead!"

He began to laugh wildly. His laughter echoed through the hall, chilling all who heard it.