Chapter 296

The morning light of the second day pierced the tent, a gentle breeze brushing Jiang Mingyu's face, bringing a hint of coolness. He had just finished a light breakfast and was savoring the lingering flavor of the broth when a scout horse, monitoring Zou Jingtong, galloped back in haste. The steed appeared to have traveled a thousand li, its entire body soaked in morning dew, radiating exhaustion.

The scout horse charged forward, its legs trembling, the saddlecloth slipping off its back like a weary warrior. Jiang Mingyu's brow furrowed slightly as he stared intently at the horse, as if seeking to read the entire battlefield from its eyes.

"Your Majesty, Zou Jingtong learned of our army's recent breach of Maoling and immediately changed course, leading his troops toward Luohe," the scout gasped, his voice strained from the grueling ride.

Tukesuo listened and rolled his eyes, a sneer curling his lips. "That Zou Jingtong is truly devious. One more day, and I could've crushed him into mud." He clenched his fists, fire blazing in his eyes.

Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, his expression growing grave. "Brother, Luohe's terrain is complex, and with Zou Jingtong's fifty thousand troops, we may face serious resistance."

Jiang Mingyu waved to calm Tukesuo's anger, his voice steady and resolute: "No matter. Zou Jingtong has only fifty thousand men; we have two hundred and twenty thousand. Even if we leave thirty thousand to guard the city, one hundred and eighty thousand are more than enough to overwhelm Luohe. Do you really think we can't conquer such a small place as Luohe?" His gaze sharpened, his tone hardening with conviction: "We march the day after tomorrow. Prepare the soldiers thoroughly. Once we take Luohe, Anlu and Fuxiang lie before us. When all six commanderies of Hongzhou are ours, we advance east to Jizhou and annihilate Li Haoyang in one stroke."

Fang Hang's eyes lit up at the mention of Jizhou. He spoke quickly: "Your Majesty, Hongzhou is about to fall. Li Haoyang will surely concentrate his forces in Jizhou to stabilize his position. I volunteer to lead troops to Guizhou!" His voice was fierce and determined, his eyes blazing with battle-lust.

"As soon as Your Majesty advances on Jizhou, I will immediately lead my forces south to seize Huzhou. This will trap Li Haoyang in a dilemma—he cannot defend Jizhou easily no matter what he does. Once we break through even one point, we'll halve his territory again, and his doom is sealed."

Li Goudan slapped his thigh and nodded firmly: "Your Majesty, I request to accompany General Fang. If we fail to take Huzhou, I swear I will not return to camp!"

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly at their spirited postures. After a moment's thought, he nodded: "Good. Fang Hang, you are the main commander of the southern campaign; Li Goudan, your deputy. Lead the troops from Guizhou to attack Huzhou. I don't demand you capture Huzhou—just delay Li Haoyang's forces. That alone is a great achievement."

Fang Hang and Li Goudan bowed in unison: "We obey!" Their eyes were resolute as they swiftly departed Maoling, mounted their galloping warhorses, and rode east toward Guizhou.

Watching Fang Hang and Li Goudan's retreating figures, Tukesuo sighed deeply, filled with helplessness.

"Brother, without elite bodyguards, can Goudan and the others manage?" he asked anxiously, a persistent unease gnawing at him regarding the coming battle.

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, as if seeing through Tukesuo's thoughts. "Fang Hang is a general's talent. Goudan will one day lead armies alone. This is a good opportunity—I have faith in him." His tone carried clear trust in both men, brimming with expectation for their future.

Inside the tent, dim lamplight fell on Jiang Mingyu's calm face, highlighting his composed expression. His eyes gleamed with deep thought, as if he had already meticulously planned every detail.

Tukesuo fell silent for a moment, then nodded slowly, finding some peace in Jiang Mingyu's decision. In the quiet military tent, the leader's wisdom and trust wove together into a powerful, unwavering image.

Deep night settled, the camp silent within and without. Though the coming battle was unpredictable, Jiang Mingyu felt certain of his path. Tukesuo silently vowed within himself to give everything for this trust. Beneath the stars, the leaders in the tent became the army's spiritual pillar, paving a firm road for the storms and campaigns ahead.

On the third morning, golden sunlight filtered through the clouds, bathing Maoling in a warm glow. Jiang Mingyu rose early and stood atop the city wall, unrolling a map in his hands, intently studying the marked locations of towns. A breeze stirred his robes and hair, gilding his profile with light, making him resemble a wise emperor.

Suddenly, a messenger on a swift horse burst into the tower, hooves clattering rhythmically on the stone pavement. He dismounted, covered in dust and sweat, and rushed to Jiang Mingyu's side, dropping to his knees, gasping for breath.

"Report... the Chancellor has sent a message..." he stammered, his voice hoarse from the journey.

Jiang Mingyu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. He helped the messenger up, gazing intently, waiting for him to continue.

The messenger took a deep breath, rested briefly, then said: "Grand Master Ge is meticulous—he has entered Xixia to negotiate. He has secretly placed many spies there." At this, Jiang Mingyu's face softened with a faint, satisfied smile.

The messenger vividly described the booming business of copper-pot lamb in Xixia, and Yi Fei's plans for establishing a money house.

The messenger had been breathless, but at the mention of copper-pot lamb, he seemed to regain energy, his eyes shining.

"Recent reports from our spies confirm: Her Majesty's copper-pot lamb business has taken root in Xixia!" he gestured excitedly. "Even many Xixia nobles now consider tasting copper-pot lamb a mark of prestige, competing to do so. It has become their newest fashion!"

Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but chuckle, raising an eyebrow, a glint of pride in his eyes.

The messenger continued enthusiastically: "In no time, this business will spread throughout Xixia's capital, Yuncao City! Profits will multiply many times over!" He waved his fist in excitement.

"Her Majesty is also planning to open a money house—soon, we'll control Xixia's entire financial system!" His eyes sparkled, his smile barely contained.

Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly, a trace of pride in his expression. He nodded in satisfaction, smoothing the map with a rustling sound: "Good! Very good!"

"Good. Ge Yangyu is brilliant, Zhuge Yu knows how to choose talent, and Yi Fei has worked hard." His voice rang clear and warm. "Return to Zhuge Yu and tell him: half of Hongzhou is already ours; Li Haoyang's forces are collapsing. Before the snow falls, I will crush the Great Liao." His lips curved slightly—he already envisioned victory.

On the city wall at that moment, sunlight streamed through the blue sky onto Jiang Mingyu, harmonizing with his resolute expression. This news was a powerful boost to the coming war, filling the entire camp with confidence.