Chapter 270: Surrender Before Fighting

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at Zhu Ge Yu, frowned slightly, and asked seriously: "Zhu Ge Yu, we have not seen each other for a long time; I wonder what high opinion you hold regarding the attack on Jingcheng?"

Zhu Ge Yu sat on the grass, propped himself up with both hands, thought for a moment, then looked up at Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Master, Jingcheng is as solid as a metal wall; taking it is not easy. I believe we should still start with Yue River and cut off its water source."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes lit up, and he pursued the question: "This aligns closely with my own thoughts; do you also plan to divert water to flood the city?"

A smile curled at the corner of Zhu Ge Yu's mouth; he nodded and said: "Master is wise; since you already have this idea, the hope of success is greatly increased. It is just that the specific operations still need discussion."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, patted Zhu Ge Yu's shoulder, and said: "You tell me your plan?"

Zhu Ge Yu stood up from the ground, pointed his finger toward the distance, and slowly explained: "Fei Hou will certainly guard against a water attack; we cannot act directly and must first scatter his attention. I suggest Master feign an attack on Jingcheng to pin down Fei Hou. While he is too busy to cope, I will lead a small team to secretly destroy the Yue River dam and release water to flood the city. This will greatly increase the probability of success."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu scratched his beard and nodded in agreement: "Good; this plan is steady. First strike east to attack west, then take the opportunity to release water, which can reduce unnecessary casualties."

After hearing Zhu Ge Yu's strategy, Fang Hang quickly interjected: "Mr. Zhu Ge is wise; this plan fits perfectly with the way of the military. Diverting water to flood the city can defeat the enemy in one stroke! I am in awe; truly a great merit-maker living up to his famous reputation!" He stood at attention, his face filled with reverence.

Tu Tu Kesiluo and the other generals, though silent, all nodded in agreement one after another. Their eyes revealed admiration for Zhu Ge Yu's sharp strategy.

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, then suddenly slapped his thigh and shouted loudly: "Good! We shall act according to Zhu Ge Yu's strategy! Tu Tu Kesiluo, quickly order the entire army to set up camp and rest well!"

"Tomorrow, you and Zhang Zhang Jiani will be the vanguard, Gou Dan the left wing, Fang Hang the right wing; I and Zhu Ge Yu will lead the main force to take Jingcheng directly!"

Upon hearing the battle deployment, all the soldiers were instantly revitalized, their fighting spirit soaring. Each wore a determined expression, poised and ready, their aura fully unleashed.

That day in the camp, smoke and fire lingered, with horses neighing and people talking. Though the soldiers were tired, they were all discussing the battle of tomorrow. Some were preparing their weapons, others were repairing their armor. A killing intent permeated the air; everyone waited silently for the dawn of victory to arrive.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood alone on high, gazing into the distance, the corner of his mouth curving into a determined arc. He had already sketched out the blueprint for capturing the city in his heart; this time, he would definitely make Fei Hou pay blood for blood!

At the second watch that night, the entire camp was fast asleep, only Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained utterly without sleep.

He stood outside his own tent, looking up at the starry sky, yet his heart was uneasy.

Tomorrow would be the day of his decisive battle with Fei Hou; he had waited so long, and for this moment, he had paid too much in sacrifice and effort.

He thought of his father, his mother, his brothers, his friends, his lover, his people; they were all victims of Fei Hou's crimes, and they were all his motivation and belief.

He swore he would definitely avenge them, definitely make Fei Hou pay the price in blood, and definitely let the common people of the world see the light again.

Yet, he was not without doubts, he was not without fear, and he was not without weakness.

He knew Fei Hou was a treacherous hero with deep schemes, his subordinates were a group of elite soldiers, and his Jingcheng was a fortress.

He knew his army, though high in morale, had suffered heavy casualties; his generals, though loyal, each had their own strengths; his strategies, though incredibly clever, were fraught with hidden dangers.

He knew every single move he made could affect the changes in the battle situation, every word and action he took could decide life or death, and every single thought he had could sway the fate of the world.

He dared not be the slightest bit careless, he dared not be the slightest bit negligent, and he dared not be the slightest bit arrogant.

He could only think constantly, adjust constantly, and prepare constantly.

He could only pray constantly, expect constantly, and persist constantly.

He could only fight constantly, attack constantly, and win constantly.

At this moment, Zhu Ge Yu arrived quietly; seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu staring blankly at the sky, he could not help but ask: "Master, you are still not asleep? Is there something weighing on your mind?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu finally came to his senses and sighed: "I originally always looked forward to the decisive battle with Fei Hou, especially after Shang Mu's defeat, I almost wished to rush into Jingcheng immediately. However, now that victory is in sight, I feel inexplicably unsteady in my heart, always fearing something will go wrong."

Zhu Ge Yu sat down beside Jiang Jiang Mingyu and said calmly: "Master, this is human nature. Even when facing an enemy, it is hard not to feel a sense of awe in one's heart; this is the normal state of heroes and the strong."

He softened his tone and continued to comfort him: "Master, please rest assured; Fei Hou this time is undoubtedly at the end of his tether. He is like a rotting city wall; one kick from you could knock it down. Our army's momentum is like a rainbow; facing the enemy and responding to battle, how could there be any reason for us not to win?"

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt slightly relieved, nodded, and smiled: "I hope it is as you say; I can sleep peacefully tonight. It is late; let us each return to rest."

Zhu Ge Yu took his leave and departed; Jiang Jiang Mingyu still stood in place for a long time before regaining his fighting spirit and murmuring to himself: "Fei Hou, I am coming! I will make you pay blood for blood and return peace to the world!"

Cold light flashed fiercely in his eyes as his figure vanished into the night. This night, both sides waited silently for the dawn to arrive; at that time, life or death would be decided, and the winner would be determined!

When the first line of morning light pierced the eastern horizon, Jiang Jiang Mingyu had already awakened from his simple tent. He donned his military robe, strode out of the camp, and saw that the 150,000-strong army was already arrayed, fully equipped and ready to depart, with a strict military appearance.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu cast his gaze forward; the city walls of Jingcheng were vaguely visible, appearing and disappearing amidst the clouds and mist, with momentum like a rainbow. This city he had longed to capture day and night was now only a few dozen li away.

The soldiers saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu and greeted him one after another, their faces overflowing with high fighting spirit. But Jiang Jiang Mingyu noticed that Zhang Zhang Jiani's state seemed not quite right. She lacked her usual arrogance, her eyes were vacant, and when she saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu, she was evasive, as if burdened with worries.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately realized that Zhang Zhang Jiani seemed to have learned the reason for her sister's departure, so her entire state was low. To avoid affecting her psychological preparation before the event, Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not say much, only smiling at her to offer comfort.

Afterwards, he cleared his throat and issued a thunderous command to the entire army: "All forces, set out and head straight for Jingcheng!"

The moment the words fell, the 150,000-strong army marched out in a grand procession. The sound of hooves rumbled, and killing intent surged. At this very moment, the army only needed to charge for one more shichen to arrive beneath the walls of Jingcheng and complete the great achievement they had waited nearly half a year for!

They were only ten li from the city gate. He was about to order a faster advance when he suddenly heard a sound of hooves coming from the front. He looked up and saw a general clad in silver armor, accompanied by two soldiers, riding a flying horse toward him. That general was none other than his vanguard commander, Tu Tu Kesiluo, a man of supreme martial arts skilled in scouting enemy situations, one of his most trusted confidants.

Tu Tu Kesiluo arrived before Jiang Jiang Mingyu, dismounted, performed a salute, and smiled: "Big brother, something interesting!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was completely baffled and asked: "What is it?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo smiled and beckoned; the two soldiers immediately dragged over a man in official robes. That man wore brocade clothes, had feathers on his head, and wore a jade belt at his waist, obviously a high official. But at this moment, his face was filled with terror, his whole body trembled, and he kept kowtowing and begging for mercy.

The moment that man saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu, he quickly knelt and said: "I am He He Xinzhe, Minister of War of Great Feng; I pay my respects to my lord Jiang!" As he spoke, he kowtowed, his forehead already worn open by the stones, bleeding profusely.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked in surprise: "Minister He, you are under Fei Hou; why have you come to my army?"

Fei Hou was the main commander guarding Jingcheng and also a high minister of the Great Feng court, holding military power and shaking the four directions. Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not understand how his Minister of War could have fallen into his hands.

He He Xinzhe hurriedly explained: "Reporting to my lord Jiang, Fei Hou is unrighteous; he actually forced a mere scholar like me to fight against the great army. If we cannot win, he will kill my entire family!"

"I was forced by necessity and had no choice but to come and defect; I hope my lord Jiang will raise your hand in mercy, save my life, and protect my family!"

As he spoke, he kowtowed several more loud kowtows, his voice choked with sobs, tears streaming down.