Chapter 265: The Emotional Dilemma That Cannot Be Avoided

Jiang Mingyu closed his eyes in pain, unwilling to admit that he and Zhang Jiaqi had indeed missed something irreplaceable—a regret that had existed since their first separation.

They had missed countless chances to meet, countless moments to confess their feelings; the distance and misunderstandings between them were unlike anything he had with anyone else.

He had once regretted it, once wondered—if only he had noticed Jiaqi's feelings sooner, if only he had been brave enough to speak his own heart, would things have turned out differently?

Jiang Mingyu exhaled, snatched the wine flask, and poured himself another cup. "I know I've wronged Jiaqi, and I know I owe her dearly—but I'm not that kind of man. Three wives, four concubines? I don't believe I'm destined for such fortune. In the end, it's simple: Jiaqi came too late. Had she appeared before Yifei, I might have chosen her—but none of that is real."

Tukesiluo listened, shook his head with a smile, and said, "Big brother, we're both strangers in a foreign land, having seen through the illusions of this world—each of us carries our own spirit and integrity. I won't force you, but you must deeply understand the depths of a woman's heart."

Jiang Mingyu sighed. "I understand your meaning. Jiaqi loves me deeply, and though I cannot return her feelings, I've still hurt her. But I've pledged my marriage to Yifei—she is my soulmate, my true companion in this life. I am willing to give everything for this true love, even endure a thousand trials!"

Tukesiluo clapped him on the shoulder, voice full of fervor: "Bravo! A true man's words! I admire your devotion to love—but human emotions are inherently complex and difficult. To spare us both future anguish, let's drink our fill tonight!"

They clinked cups and drank deeply; in Jiang Mingyu's resolute gaze flickered a hidden unease—he knew the path of true love was never smooth, and only through trials and tribulations could its value and necessity be proven.

The next noon, as Jiang Mingyu studied the plan to flood the city, Tukesiluo walked in.

"Big brother, look who's back?"

Jiang Mingyu turned—and there, before him, stood Liu Yifei, after many days apart.

Seeing Tukesiluo had already stepped out quickly, Jiang Mingyu rushed forward two steps and pulled the beauty into his arms.

Liu Yifei blushed, feigned a slight struggle, then buried her face against Jiang Mingyu's chest.

"Jiang Lang, I've missed you so much," she whispered, as if afraid of shattering this rare, tender moment.

Jiang Mingyu gently stroked her hair and replied softly, "Yifei, I've missed you too."

Just then, Zhang Jiaqi burst in, searching for Jiang Mingyu. Seeing them entwined, her face flashed with sorrow, then she turned and ran out without looking back.

On the floor lay glistening tears, quietly whispering her inner pain.

Watching Jiaqi's retreating figure, Liu Yifei asked softly, "Jiang Lang, what's wrong with Jiaqi?"

"Yifei, rest for now. I'll explain everything to you later," he said gently.

Liu Yifei pouted. "Jiang Lang, don't hide anything from me—I want the truth!" Then she clung to his arm, swaying playfully.

Jiang Mingyu softened. Just as he was about to explain, she pointed to the door: "Oh, by the way, I came back with a messenger—he's still waiting outside."

Jiang Mingyu remembered his duties and hurried to summon the messenger inside.

Only after Liu Yifei left did Tukesiluo, sighing, lead the messenger to Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Mingyu studied the messenger, then asked, "Where are Zhuge Yu and Goudan now?"

The messenger bowed respectfully. "My lord, Master Zhuge and General Li have set up camp thirty li east of the capital, deep in the mountains. Master Zhuge has ordered me to report: he brought thirty thousand brave troops—all preparations are complete. He awaits your command to march on the capital, so he may join you and crush Marquis Fei together."

Jiang Mingyu's face lit up, as if he'd forgotten all his earlier turmoil. He slammed his fist on the table. "Good! Time waits for no one! Tukesiluo, go at once and tell Goudan and Fang Hang—we march at dawn, straight for the capital!"

The final confrontation with Marquis Fei was at hand. Jiang Mingyu's heart swelled with resolve—he vowed to erase his past shame.

After Tukesiluo departed, Fang Hang arrived with a thick stack of documents. "My lord, these are the city's records and recent military supply logs. Please review them."

Jiang Mingyu nodded and began to read with focused calm.

When he finished his duties, dusk had fallen outside. Lanterns glowed in the courtyard, casting light on his solemn face.

Jiang Mingyu sighed softly, murmuring to himself, "The hour has come. I must go speak with Yifei."

He knew the delicate matter of his relationship with Zhang Jiaqi needed to be laid bare with Yifei. Though this conversation would be difficult, he must resolve it quickly—before it became a lasting wound.

Jiang Mingyu gathered his thoughts and arrived at Yifei's chamber. She was dressing at her mirror, and when she saw him, she smiled shyly.

"Yifei, we need to talk," Jiang Mingyu said solemnly.

Yifei's eyes flickered. "Is something troubling you, Jiang Lang?"

Jiang Mingyu nodded, then cleared his throat awkwardly. "Um… Yifei, I need to tell you something."

Liu Yifei set down her ledger and turned to meet his gaze. "Is it about Jiaqi?"

Seeing she had guessed nearly everything, Jiang Mingyu simply nodded. "Yes. That's it."

But before he could speak, Liu Yifei interrupted: "You want to tell me Jiaqi has fallen in love with you, right?" Her tone was unnervingly calm—as if this had nothing to do with her.

Jiang Mingyu froze, tongue stumbling: "H-how did you know?" He had never imagined she already understood.

Liu Yifei explained softly: "My intuition. A woman's sixth sense told me. From your reaction today, I guessed almost all of it. I waited for you to tell me yourself."

She gazed into his eyes, voice gentle: "I don't care about the rest. I only want you to tell me—how do you truly feel about me versus Jiaqi? That's all I need to know."

Jiang Mingyu's heart churned. He didn't know how to answer. What were his feelings for Jiaqi? Friendship? Love? He couldn't say. He only knew she was his comrade, his savior; though their time together had been brief, they shared deep trust and unspoken understanding.

Zhang Jiaqi was clever, lively, charming—she always brought him joy and warmth. He cherished her friendship and respected her feelings. But he had never imagined anything beyond friendship. He saw their bond as pure and sweet—like that of brother and sister.

Liu Yifei, however, was his betrothed, his first love in this world. She was gentle, virtuous, kind—always silently supporting him, caring for him, tending to him. She was his soulmate, the most important person in his life. He loved her deeply, and believed she loved him just as much. Their bond was firm and unshakable—like that of husband and wife.

He didn't understand why Jiaqi had suddenly confessed, why she claimed she'd loved him secretly all along, why she said she'd give up everything just to be with him. He didn't know how to face her love, how to refuse her plea, how to comfort her pain. Nor did he know how to explain to Yifei, how to make her believe he had no improper feelings for Jiaqi, how to make her understand he loved only her.

He lowered his head, afraid to meet Yifei's eyes—afraid of seeing doubt, disappointment, sorrow. His voice trembled as he spoke.

"Yifei… I… I don't know how to say it… I…"