Chapter 276: Double Happiness Arrives

The two strolled through the empty palace, and Zhu Ge Yu asked, "Great Feng has fallen. Is the southern campaign next?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head and said, "The southern campaign is postponed for now. First, write several proclamations for me."

Zhu Ge Yu asked in confusion, "What proclamations?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu explained, "Number one: inform the world that Great Feng has perished. Number two: announce that the people of Jingcheng may return to their hometowns and are exempt from taxes for three years."

Zhu Ge Yu nodded in understanding. Jiang Jiang Mingyu continued, "Number three: warn all rebel armies to surrender quickly; otherwise, our army will march south and surely annihilate them!"

Zhu Ge Yu understood his intention and quickly wrote it down. Then he reminded him, "Though the proclamations are good, we cannot just wait; we must immediately dispatch troops south."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu agreed, saying, "Exactly. Quickly tally our current forces and see how many more can be mobilized."

Zhu Ge Yu calculated for a moment and replied, "Excluding the garrisons in various places, about two hundred thousand can be deployed."

"What? So few?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but exclaim.

Zhu Ge Yu sighed helplessly, "Four fronts are at war, and our forces have suffered great losses. Plus, with Other Xi Xia watching hungrily, the need for defense means even fewer troops can be mobilized."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment and said gravely, "I understand. This is truly a time of treacherous hearts and suffering people. We rose up against the rebels precisely so they could live good lives."

"Though our army is small, we must do our utmost to save the common people from the depths of suffering; we must let the people live without worry over food and clothing."

"This is my duty, and this is the mission of my life, Jiang Jiang Mingyu."

Zhu Ge Yu was extremely moved upon hearing this and bowed deeply to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, saying, "What the Master says is right. We will surely complete the mission and let the people live happy lives!"

The two continued walking through the palace, and Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered, "Quickly order troops from all regions to converge on the capital and join the main army in the city, preparing for the southern campaign."

Zhu Ge Yu accepted the order. He then proposed, "Great Feng has been destroyed; shouldn't the name of the capital be changed as well?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gasped, having never considered this issue. He asked in return, "What is your opinion?"

Zhu Ge Yu smiled, "If the Master wishes to become Emperor, why not name it Great Jiang? The momentum would be magnificent."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly and hesitated, "The timing is too early; such a move might seem too arrogant."

In fact, Zhu Ge Yu had already learned that Tu Tu Kesiluo and others were strongly urging Jiang Jiang Mingyu to become Emperor. All the generals also hoped for Jiang Jiang Mingyu to ascend the throne so they could be rewarded for their merits.

Zhu Ge Yu then gently persuaded, "Master, becoming Emperor truly has many benefits. First, it allows for the grand reward of meritorious officials, boosting morale. Second, it aids in unifying all rebel armies. Third, it can win the hearts of the people, allowing them to live in peace and prosperity. Master should consider this carefully."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment and slowly nodded, "These words make sense. I understand the soldiers' sentiments and see the necessity of becoming Emperor. However, it still requires caution and further thought."

"Indeed, the Master is truly wise! This matter cannot be rushed, but since the Master has grasped the pros and cons, that is the true style of a gentleman." Zhu Ge Yu praised repeatedly.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew Zhu Ge Yu's advice was well-intentioned. He must seek welfare for the people to deserve that dragon throne. At this time, having merit that overshadows the master would only invite disaster.

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu hesitate, Zhu Ge Yu continued to persuade, "Tu Tu Kesiluo and others are the Master's trusted confidants. If they are not rewarded immediately, the army's morale may be hard to stabilize. Moreover, the Master's strength has already surpassed half of Jiangshan; it is time to be crowned Emperor, and authority will naturally be greatly strengthened."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood and asked, "Is there more?"

Zhu Ge Yu smiled, "Second, if the Master becomes Emperor, then all other rebel armies are rebels. Our army's campaign against them would be justified, and morale will surely soar. Third, the Master's benevolent rule can win the people's hearts, while the enemy's heavy taxes will cause uprisings, allowing us to strike while the iron is hot."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened for a long time and finally nodded in agreement, "Very well. I will ascend the throne in fifteen days. At the same time, I will marry Liu Liu Yifei; everything must be prepared thoroughly."

Zhu Ge Yu was overjoyed and quickly replied, "I humbly obey the Master's orders; I will go and handle this immediately. The Master is wise and powerful, and will surely revive the great cause and restore Jiangshan!"

As Zhu Ge Yu was happily leaving, Jiang Jiang Mingyu called out to him, "Wait. On the day of my coronation, I will also have a grand wedding. Quickly inform Liu Liu Yifei and ask her father and brother to come as soon as possible!"

Zhu Ge Yu hurriedly agreed. A trace of guilt rose in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart—his bride was still traveling far and wide, yet he was to marry early; it was indeed somewhat inconsiderate.

While he was still hesitating, Tu Tu Kesiluo strode into the hall and asked with a smile, "You two are chatting so happily; what are you talking about?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu told him the decision to be crowned and married. Tu Tu Kesiluo was extremely happy and repeatedly praised the idea as good.

In fact, just like Zhu Ge Yu, he did not care about so-called official titles and rewards. Simply because Jiang Jiang Mingyu was ascending the throne, he was genuinely happy.

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo's joyous expression, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt a stir in his heart and said, "Since we have double happiness arriving, why not make it even more lively? In half a month, you and I will marry on the same day and bring our respective beauties home!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo was extremely excited and agreed with great spirit. The three looked at each other and laughed heartily, their clear laughter echoing through the hall.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt countless emotions—being able to stand side by side with such heroic brothers and work together on the great cause was truly his fortune. Liu Liu Yifei's beauty and Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's innocent charm had matched him with the most moving couples in this world.

He imagined that in the future, the whole family would be harmonious and full of endless joy. This was the purpose of his struggle and the ideal of the uprising army that worked day and night without rest. Describe this scene in detail.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched Zhu Ge Yu and Tu Tu Kesiluo leave happily, and a trace of anxiety rose in his heart—only by winning the people's trust through benevolent rule could he sit on the dragon throne for long; he must always be alert and not let his merit overshadow the master to invite disaster.

He understood that these loyal generals were all hoping for his early coronation so they could be arranged rewards. And he, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, must always remember his responsibilities and mission.

Seeing the great cause about to be accomplished, he must maintain a humble heart and firmly remember that the livelihood of the people is the foundation. The common people of the world are the purpose of his struggle, not the dragon throne itself.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gazed at the flying dragon totem at the top of the palace and firmly clenched his fist.

The documents issued by Jiang Jiang Mingyu spread rapidly throughout the world, and news of his impending coronation also spread in Jingcheng. All the officials and servants were busily preparing for the grand ceremony.

Early the next morning, Liu Liu Yifei hurriedly returned to Jingcheng. Looking at the phoenix crown and embroidered robes carefully prepared for her, she furrowed her beautiful brows.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly asked her, "Does Liu Liu Yifei have any dissatisfaction? I will immediately send someone to make new ones."

Liu Liu Yifei shook her head lightly, "These are all very good, it's just... must we marry on the same day as Tu Tu Kesiluo?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu said in confusion, "Tu Tu Kesiluo is my brother, and Zhang Zhang Jiani is also your good friend. Wouldn't it be more lively if we married at the same time?"

Liu Liu Yifei sighed, "But have you thought about it? If Zhang Zhang Jiaqi comes, how will she feel? This would be adding frost to snow for her."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was startled and finally realized the problem. He said self-reproachfully, "I indeed did not consider this thoroughly; this is too cruel for Zhang Zhang Jiaqi. We cannot only think of our own happiness but must also put ourselves in others' shoes."

Liu Liu Yifei said softly, "I understand your good intentions, but we must value Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's feelings. She is my best friend and also your confidant. We must handle this marriage carefully and not hurt her heart."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt deeply gratified. Holding Liu Liu Yifei's hand, he said softly, "Liu Liu Yifei, having a Lady like you who thinks of others is my fortune. If we reconsider the plan, it will be more thorough, and everyone can be happy."

A trace of gratitude flashed in Liu Liu Yifei's eyes. She nodded and said, "Yes, we will definitely consider every detail thoroughly so that everyone can feel warmth and happiness in this happy event!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled, "There is already a countermeasure; I have thought of a clever plan to solve this difficulty."

Liu Liu Yifei asked nervously, "What plan?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's smile grew deeper, "I want to match Zhang Zhang Jiaqi with Zhu Ge Yu; they will surely make a good pair. Zhu Ge Yu has no wife yet, and Zhang Zhang Jiaqi is also a good woman. The two complement each other, perfectly forming a marriage."

Hearing this, Liu Liu Yifei frowned slightly and hesitated, "This idea seems inappropriate. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi has someone in her heart; forcing a match might not lead to a good outcome."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu explained, "Zhu Ge Yu is a good man, and Zhang Zhang Jiaqi is also a virtuous woman. I will also grant Zhang Zhang Jiaqi a title, which can be considered a return for her hard work over these years. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi will surely be grateful for my thorough arrangement in the future."

Liu Liu Yifei was still somewhat worried, "But Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's feelings..."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu assured her repeatedly, "I will find a way for them to develop feelings naturally; I will never force it. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi will eventually understand this is the most appropriate arrangement. At that time, you and I can celebrate our union to our heart's content, making everyone happy."

Although Liu Liu Yifei still had reservations, she could only nod, "Then I will go and explain this matter to Zhang Zhang Jiaqi in detail. But it must be done gradually; we cannot coerce her."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu said with certainty: "Rest assured, I will never force Zhang Zhang Jiaqi. As long as she understands my intentions, Zhu Ge Yu will surely fall deeply in love with her and care for her tenderly. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi is so intelligent and witty; she will certainly make the right choice."

Although Liu Liu Yifei still had doubts, she could only nod and agree. She hoped Zhang Zhang Jiaqi would not be hurt by this sudden marriage proposal, but would instead accept it blindly and let things take their natural course.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu firmly believed his arrangement was flawless. He trusted Zhang Zhang Jiaqi's wisdom and was certain she would understand this was the most appropriate course of action. By then, they would surely hold a grand double-happiness celebration, immersing all their friends in this joy.