Chapter 261: Good News After Good News

"My Lord, there is more good news to report." The messenger's voice, brimming with excitement, pierced through the tent, catching Jiang Jiang Mingyu's attention.

More good news?

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently set down the military report in his hand and gestured for the messenger to continue. "Speak."

The messenger said excitedly, "My Lord, Miss Liu's business in Lanzhou has now blossomed everywhere; hot pot has become the mainstream cuisine there. Miss Liu has also hired many skilled chefs to innovate by combining hot pot with local dishes. Business is bringing in gold by the day, and the halls are filled with distinguished guests!"

Hearing the name Liu Liu Yifei, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but smile. "This girl is truly excellent material for doing business."

The messenger continued, "Miss Liu has already planned to travel from Lanzhou to Jingzhou to meet you, my Lord. We expect to see each other very soon!"

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu became even happier, but immediately frowned. He instructed the messenger, "Go back and tell Liu Yifei that on her journey to Jingzhou, she must travel with Li Goudan's main army. The roads there are chaotic and dangerous; she must be extremely careful!"

The messenger solemnly bowed in acknowledgment and strode away to deliver the orders.

Thinking that he would soon meet Liu Liu Yifei, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was in high spirits. For these past days, the two had been separated by distance. Though he did not say it openly, his longing for Liu Liu Yifei had grown day by day. To reunite with a kindred spirit was something Jiang Jiang Mingyu had longed for for a very long time.

However, his smile did not last long before it was replaced by a thread of worry. The moment he thought of Liu Liu Yifei's arrival, the unresolved issue of Zhang Zhang Jiaqi surfaced, giving Jiang Jiang Mingyu a headache.

Although Zhang Zhang Jiaqi had never mentioned it, Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew that she had always harbored feelings for him. He simply did not expect Liu Liu Yifei to appear suddenly, disrupting Jiang Jiang Mingyu's plans.

In fact, Jiang Jiang Mingyu had also seriously considered Zhang Zhang Jiaqi. She was gentle and generous, truly a good candidate for a partner. Yet, because they were too familiar with each other, lacking the haze of mystery and the freshness of newness, he ultimately could not move his heart with true affection.

But Liu Liu Yifei was different. She was intelligent and capable, yet also free-spirited and passionate. Every time they were together, it brought joy to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart. Perhaps, this was what people called fate.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu fell into a dilemma. He did not want to hurt Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, but he also did not want to give up his fate with Liu Liu Yifei. This unsolvable problem left him at a loss.

Perhaps the best course of action was to let everything take its natural course. Jiang Jiang Mingyu sighed, temporarily put the matter aside, and threw himself back into the plan to attack Emperor Fei Hou. With the grand situation taking precedence, these personal grievances could only be addressed gradually.

Gazing at the gradually darkening sky outside the window, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt a mix of five flavors in his heart. After much deliberation, he finally let out a long sigh.

He muttered to himself, "Forget it, we'll deal with it when the time comes. Besides, nothing has happened between me and Zhang Jiaqi. If it really comes to it, I'll lay my cards on the table with Liu Yifei; a short pain is better than a long one."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood that no matter which side he chose, the other would likely be unhappy for a while. But rather than having all three of them troubled in the future, it was more practical to lay the problem out once and for all.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was trapped in a dilemma. He could not bear to hurt Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, but he also did not want to give up the fate between him and Liu Liu Yifei. This problem seemed unsolvable, leaving him endlessly vexed.

Perhaps laying his cards on the table with both of them and letting them choose for themselves was the best solution. Although they would be sad for the moment, it was better than the three of them growing distant in the future. Jiang Jiang Mingyu believed that Liu Liu Yifei's personality would make her understanding.

In fact, Zhang Zhang Jiaqi understood deep down that, to her, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was more like an elder brother. Her coming here was also to see with her own eyes whether Jiang Jiang Mingyu was safe and well. She only hoped that Jiang Jiang Mingyu could meet a kindred spirit and find happiness.

Gazing at the sky as it gradually darkened, Jiang Jiang Mingyu finally made up his mind. He would speak his true heart clearly before both of them, believing they would both understand. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Jiang Mingyu put this matter out of his mind.

"Tomorrow we must march to war; let us rest early." Jiang Jiang Mingyu muttered to himself. He believed that time would eventually wash everything away. The future was long; as long as he remained honest and fair, there would surely be a result that satisfied everyone in the end.

Early the next morning, Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood before the military tent. Knights and soldiers were fully armored and ready, standing in neat rows, their armor gleaming. Jiang Jiang Mingyu swept his wide sleeves, instantly filled with heroic spirit; his gaze was firm, displaying the bearing of a commander.

"March the troops, head straight for Taojiang City, set out!" His voice was resonant and powerful, spreading throughout the entire camp and awakening the fighting spirit of every soldier.

Soon, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's great army marched out of Hanshou City in a mighty procession. War horses neighed, war flags fluttered, and iron hooves trampled the dust, shaking the earth. The soldiers wore sturdy armor and held sharp weapons, ready to go to the front lines to fight for the honor of their Lord and their nation.

Along the way, common people stood by the roadside, witnessing the massive army's advance. They all applauded and cheered for Jiang Jiang Mingyu and his warriors, blessing them with a triumphant return. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's army gave them hope; carrying the belief in victory, they looked forward to regaining peace and tranquility.

It would not take long for Jiang Jiang Mingyu's army to capture Jingzhou City, this important city. On everyone's face hung a gentle smile, filled with confidence and hope. They knew that victory lay ahead, and everything they had fought for would not be in vain.

During the march, Tu Tu Kesiluo leaned close to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and asked in a low voice, "Big Brother, how do you plan to fight this battle? In my opinion, we should just call Liu Liu Jiayi out for a duel, behead him on the spot, and scare Emperor Fei Hou half to death. He might surrender immediately."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu revealed an amused smile and said, "A duel is certainly thrilling, but expecting Emperor Fei Hou to surrender just because he sees Liu Liu Jiayi beheaded is a bit too naive. However, you have reminded me; beheading Liu Liu Jiayi in public will surely shake the enemy army's morale when the news reaches Jingcheng. That is a good idea!"

While speaking, the cavalry commander Fang Hang rode over and reported, "My Lord, according to scouts' reports, Liu Liu Jiayi has only 50,000 troops under his command, while we have 100,000. He will not easily come out to fight. I fear Liu Liu Jiayi will first seek reinforcements from Emperor Fei Hou."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes rolled as if he had thought of a brilliant plan. He said, "I have a way! We can use a stratagem to make Liu Liu Jiayi come out of the city to fight us voluntarily."

Tu Tu Kesiluo hurriedly asked, "Big Brother, what plan have you thought of?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled and said, "Immediately send people to Taojiang to spread rumors that Zhu Ge Yu suffered a crushing defeat in Taizhou and is on the verge of collapse. Our main army has been annihilated, leaving only remnants."

Zhang Zhang Jiaqi, standing nearby, asked in confusion, "What does this mean? Spreading rumors will make us appear weak and powerless."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu explained, "Clever Zhang Jiaqi, right now Liu Liu Jiayi does not know we are coming to attack; he thinks our army was already annihilated in Taizhou. When our 100,000-strong army suddenly appears, he will surely dig in and refuse to come out. However, with the rumor of Zhu Ge Yu's retreat as cover, we can first hide 70,000 troops and only reveal 30,000."

"At that time, we will pretend to be trapped with exhausted soldiers, forced to risk everything to attack the city for supplies. Liu Liu Jiayi will surely seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and march out in force to fight. At that moment, our 70,000 hidden troops will suddenly appear and annihilate Liu Liu Jiayi in one blow."

Everyone immediately understood, nodding in agreement. Tu Tu Kesiluo said happily, "Big Brother is indeed brilliant. With this, Liu Liu Jiayi will surely fall for the trap and come out of the city. Then we will annihilate Liu Liu Jiayi in one blow, directly pincer-attack Jingcheng, and Li Le Da Gong will be imminent!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and added, "This stratagem must not be leaked; every soldier in our army must keep strict silence. In the blink of an eye, Liu Liu Jiayi will fall into the trap. Then we will strike with one vigorous push, straight to the dragon's lair, and Emperor Fei Hou will surely be thrown into chaos!"

Hearing this, the generals and soldiers all clapped and cheered.

Seeing that all the generals understood the plan, Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and immediately ordered, "Tu Tu Kesiluo, you immediately take 35,000 troops to maneuver to the left flank of Taojiang City to set an ambush. General Fang, you also take 35,000 elite troops to encircle the right flank of Taojiang City. You must move in secrecy; under no circumstances can Liu Liu Jiayi detect you. After I behead Liu Liu Jiayi, your two forces will suddenly appear, annihilating Liu's 50,000 troops on the spot. Do not let a single person escape back to the city, or our army's plan will be exposed, and we will be forced into a premature frontal battle."

The two generals nodded solemnly and quickly led their troops away to execute the plan.

Zhang Zhang Jiaqi was still somewhat worried. She asked, "Brother Jiang, are you sure Fang Hang is reliable? I still remember that Tian Jiu once feigned surrender. What if Fang Hang is also setting a trap?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu said affirmatively, "Rest assured. Since Fang Hang successfully deceived Emperor Fei Hou once, he has completely switched sides to us. I guarantee to you that Emperor Fei Hou is now powerless to set traps or use counter-espionage."

Seeing that Zhang Zhang Jiaqi said no more, Jiang Jiang Mingyu satisfiedly flicked his whip and urged, "Set out, hurry! We must arrive before Taojiang City as soon as possible to deploy our formation."

After only two hours of riding, a cavalryman on a fast horse galloped up to the main army and reported, "Report to my Lord: Victory news from Taizhou! Zhu Ge Yu, in alliance with Young Lady Zhang, has successfully captured Taizhou and awaits your orders to handle the aftermath!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu also smiled happily and said, "Excellent. Capturing Taizhou means we control two-thirds of the Great Feng's territory." But quickly, his expression turned stern, and he ordered, "Go quickly and tell Zhu Ge Yu that news of this great victory must be sealed for three days. During this period, not a single word must leak out, or my plan to lure Liu Liu Jiayi here will be completely ruined!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood that the news of the victory in Taizhou was crucial to his entire stratagem at Taojiang; it concerned the whole situation. If news of the great victory in Taizhou spread, Liu Liu Jiayi would absolutely not fall for the trap and come out to fight voluntarily. Therefore, even though Zhu Ge Yu had Li Le Da Gong, the victory news had to be temporarily sealed while Jiang Jiang Mingyu completely lured Liu Liu Jiayi onto the hook.