Chapter 261: Good News Keeps Coming

"My lord, there is more good news to report." The messenger's excited voice pierced the tent, catching Jiang Mingyu's attention.

More good news?

Jiang Mingyu gently set down the military report and gestured for the messenger to continue. "Go on."

The messenger exclaimed excitedly: "My lord, Miss Liu's business in Lanzhou has blossomed everywhere—hot pot has become the mainstream cuisine there. She's hired many skilled chefs to innovate by blending hot pot with local dishes; profits pour in daily, and her establishment is always packed!"

Hearing the name Liu Yi, Jiang Mingyu couldn't help smiling: "That girl really has a gift for business."

The messenger continued: "Miss Liu has decided to travel from Lanzhou to Jingzhou to join you—she should arrive very soon!"

Jiang Mingyu grew even happier at this, but immediately frowned. He ordered the messenger: "Return and tell Yi Fei that on her way to Jingzhou, she must travel with Li Goudan's army. The roads are chaotic—she must be careful!"

The messenger bowed solemnly in response and strode off to deliver the order.

Thinking of his imminent reunion with Liu Yi, Jiang Mingyu's spirits lifted. These past days apart had deepened his longing for her, though he never voiced it. He had long yearned for the comfort of a true companion's presence.

Yet his smile faded quickly, replaced by a thread of worry. The moment he thought of Liu Yi's arrival, the unresolved issue of Zhang Jiaqi came to mind—and his head throbbed.

Though Zhang Jiaqi had never spoken of it, Jiang Mingyu knew she harbored feelings for him. He never expected Liu Yi's sudden appearance to disrupt his plans.

In truth, Jiang Mingyu had once seriously considered Zhang Jiaqi—she was gentle and gracious, an ideal partner. But their familiarity robbed their bond of mystery and novelty; he could never bring himself to truly love her.

Liu Yi was different—intelligent, capable, bold and warm. Every encounter with her filled Jiang Mingyu with joy. Perhaps this was fate.

Jiang Mingyu was torn—he did not wish to hurt Zhang Jiaqi, yet he could not let go of his bond with Liu Yi. The dilemma had no solution, leaving him at a loss.

Perhaps the best course was to let things unfold naturally. Jiang Mingyu sighed and set the matter aside for now, returning his focus to the campaign against Fei Hou. The larger picture came first; personal matters must be handled gradually.

Jiang Mingyu gazed at the darkening sky beyond the window, his heart a tangle of emotions. After much thought, he let out a long sigh.

He muttered to himself: "Enough. We'll deal with it when the time comes. After all, nothing has happened between me and Jiaqi. If all else fails, I'll lay it all out to Yi Fei—better a short pain than a long one."

Jiang Mingyu understood that whichever choice he made, the other would be hurt for a time. But better to resolve it outright than let all three suffer in constant unease.

Jiang Mingyu was caught between two choices—he could not bear to wound Zhang Jiaqi, yet he could not abandon his connection with Liu Yi. The problem seemed unsolvable, weighing heavily on him.

Perhaps the best solution was to confront both women and let them choose for themselves. Though they would grieve briefly, it was better than drifting apart later. Jiang Mingyu believed Liu Yi's nature would make her understanding.

In truth, Zhang Jiaqi understood deep down that Jiang Mingyu was more like an elder brother to her. Her journey here was simply to see if he was well. All she wished was for him to find a kindred soul and true happiness.

Jiang Mingyu stared at the darkening sky and finally made his decision. He would speak his heart plainly before them both, trusting they would understand. He took a deep breath and set the matter aside.

"Tomorrow we march to war—rest early." Jiang Mingyu murmured to himself. He believed time would eventually heal all wounds. The future was long; if he remained honest and fair, a satisfactory resolution would come.

Early the next morning, Jiang Mingyu stood before his tent. Knights and soldiers stood in perfect formation, armor gleaming. With a sweep of his sleeves, he radiated boldness, his gaze resolute, embodying the stature of a commander.

"March—directly to Taojiang City. Advance!" His voice rang strong and clear, echoing through the camp, igniting every soldier's fighting spirit.

Soon, Jiang Mingyu's army surged out of Hanshou City. Horses neighed, banners fluttered, iron hooves shattered dust and shook the earth. Soldiers clad in sturdy armor, wielding sharp weapons, prepared to march to the front, fighting for their lord and their nation's honor.

Along the way, civilians lined the roads, watching the vast army pass. They clapped and cheered for Jiang Mingyu and his warriors, wishing them a triumphant return. His army gave them hope—filled with the belief in victory, they longed for peace and tranquility once more.

In no time, Jiang Mingyu's forces would seize Jingzhou City, a vital stronghold. Every face bore a warm smile, brimming with confidence and hope. They knew victory lay ahead—all their struggle would not be in vain.

During the march, Tukesiluo leaned close to Jiang Mingyu and whispered: "Big Brother, how do you plan to fight this battle? In my view, we should just call Liu Jiayi out for a duel, kill him on the spot, and Fei Hou will be so terrified he'll surrender."

Jiang Mingyu smiled wryly. "A duel would be thrilling, but expecting Fei Hou to surrender just because Liu Jiayi is slain? That's naive. Still—you've reminded me. Publicly executing Liu Jiayi will surely shake enemy morale in the capital. A good idea!"

At that moment, cavalry commander Fang Hang rode up and reported: "My lord, scouts report Liu Jiayi has only fifty thousand troops, while we have one hundred thousand. He won't risk an open battle—he'll likely seek reinforcements from Fei Hou."

Jiang Mingyu's eyes flickered with insight. "I have a plan. We can trick Liu Jiayi into leaving the city to fight us."

Tukesiluo eagerly asked: "Big Brother, what's your plan?"

Jiang Mingyu smiled. "Send men at once to spread rumors in Taojiang: Zhuge Yu has suffered a crushing defeat in Taizhou and is on the verge of collapse. Our main forces are destroyed—only remnants remain."

Zhang Jiaqi, puzzled, asked: "What's the point? Spreading rumors makes us look weak."

Jiang Mingyu explained: "Clever Jiaqi—Liu Jiayi doesn't know we've arrived. He believes our army was annihilated in Taizhou. Our sudden appearance with one hundred thousand troops would make him dig in. But with Zhuge Yu's defeat as cover, we can hide seventy thousand troops and reveal only thirty thousand."

"We'll appear exhausted, desperate for supplies, forced to risk an attack on the city. Liu Jiayi will seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance and launch a full-scale sortie. Then, our seventy thousand hidden troops will strike suddenly and annihilate him."

All present instantly understood, nodding in approval. Tukesiluo grinned: "Big Brother, you're brilliant! Liu Jiayi will fall for it. Once we wipe him out, we can strike Jingzhou from both sides—victory is within reach!"

Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and added: "This plan must remain secret. Every soldier must guard it with his life. Liu Jiayi will soon walk into our trap. When the moment comes, we strike as one—crush his core, and Fei Hou will be thrown into chaos!"

The officers erupted in applause.

Seeing his commanders understood the plan, Jiang Mingyu nodded and ordered: "Tukesiluo, take thirty-five thousand men and circle to the left flank of Taojiang City to set the ambush. General Fang, take thirty-five thousand elite troops and encircle the right flank. Move in absolute silence—Liu Jiayi must not suspect a thing. When I kill Liu Jiayi, both flanks must emerge at once and annihilate his fifty thousand troops. Let not a single man escape back to the city—otherwise, our plan is exposed, and we'll be forced into a premature frontal assault."

Both commanders nodded solemnly and swiftly led their troops away to execute the plan.

Zhang Jiaqi still worried. She asked: "Big Brother, are you sure Fang Hang can be trusted? I remember Tian Jiu once pretended to defect—what if Fang Hang is setting a trap?"

Jiang Mingyu replied firmly: "Rest easy. Since Fang Hang successfully deceived Fei Hou once, he's fully on our side. I guarantee Fei Hou has no strength left to set traps or sow discord."

Seeing Zhang Jiaqi fall silent, Jiang Mingyu snapped his reins and urged: "Move out—hurry! We must reach Taojiang City and form our lines as soon as possible."

Only two hours into the march, a rider galloped up to the army and reported: "My lord, good news from Taizhou! Zhuge Yu, allied with Miss Zhang, has successfully captured Taizhou and awaits your orders for the aftermath!"

Jiang Mingyu smiled in delight. "Excellent! With Taizhou secured, we control two-thirds of the empire." But his expression hardened instantly. "Go tell Zhuge Yu—this victory must be sealed for three days. Not a whisper must leak out. Otherwise, my entire plan to lure Liu Jiayi will collapse!"

Jiang Mingyu understood: the news of Taizhou's fall was central to his strategy at Taojiang. If it spread, Liu Jiayi would never fall for the trap. So even though Zhuge Yu had won a great victory, the news must be suppressed—until Jiang Mingyu had fully ensnared Liu Jiayi.