Chapter 307

After bestowing titles upon Tukesulu and Zhang Jiani.

Jiang Mingyu stood atop the high platform, radiant and commanding, and said: "Li Goudan, Feng Xi, Fang Hang." His voice rang loud and strong, echoing through the hall.

As his words fell, the three knelt and looked up at Jiang Mingyu, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Li Goudan gripped his knees tightly, his wrist bones protruding, veins bulging. His sword-like eyebrows were furrowed, as if ready to explode in rage.

Feng Xi lifted his chin in pride; sunlight struck the scar on his face, casting sharp contrasts of light and shadow that radiated overwhelming authority.

Fang Hang's hand resting on the ground trembled slightly; his brow bore sharp, defined angles, revealing his tension.

Jiang Mingyu curled his lips into a smile, tilting his head slightly to observe their reactions. His expression held a hint of cunning—he intended to build suspense.

"The three of you played an indispensable role in this eastern campaign, driving the Jiang Army's wedge forward. I hereby promote you all to Duke, and elevate you to Marquis!"

The three leapt up in excitement, shouting in unison: "Thank Your Majesty!"

Jiang Mingyu stepped forward and made a single Xukong point in the air. Instantly, the three grew solemn, waiting with careful reverence for his next command.

"You three will retain command of your original troops, but now answer to Tukesulu's authority."

The three responded in unison, their faces betraying their hunger for power and eagerness.

Jiang Mingyu then named several others, appointing them as regional military commissioners under Tukesulu's command. When he reached Liu Yifei, he paused slightly, his gaze drifting...

Jiang Mingyu sighed deeply and changed the subject: "I have prepared a banquet to celebrate our victory. See you tonight!" With that, he laughed and left the hall.

Tukesulu and Zhang Jiani watched him depart, their faces etched with concern.

Tukesulu whispered to Zhang Jiani: "The Emperor seems troubled. Let's go see him."

Zhang Jiani nodded slightly. She brushed aside a strand of hair, revealing a smooth forehead, her gaze resolute: "These past years, we've weathered storms together. I understand the Emperor's heart. We must stay by his side!"

The two exchanged a glance and smiled, clasped hands tightly, then hurried off to catch up with Jiang Mingyu.

The city glowed with lanterns, every household united in celebration. How long had passed since the last victory feast? In the blink of an eye, Jizhou City had taken on a new air.

Complex emotions welled within him. As an excellent ruler, he was naturally pleased by his people's happiness; yet as Jiang Mingyu the man, a quiet, lingering sense of loss lingered deep inside.

If Yifei were here... Jiang Mingyu scoffed at himself. You're not who you were before—how can you still cling to sentimental attachments?

"Your Majesty." A voice from behind pulled Jiang Mingyu back to reality. He turned slightly to see Tukesulu and Zhang Jiani standing side by side at the foot of the steps.

"We've been searching for you—finally found you," Zhang Jiani looked up, her eyes blazing. "Your Majesty, remember—you are not fighting alone."

Tukesulu nodded firmly, his eyes filled with resolve and trust: "Your Majesty, the victory banquet is ready. Everyone has been waiting!"

In Jizhou City, the bright moon rose, the streets awash in lanterns and wine.

Lanterns and banners filled the city, radiating joy and peace. Stone lions flanking the city gates were adorned in vibrant colors, their mouths holding ribbons inscribed with "Victory Year One." Music of flutes and strings, carriages ferrying fine wine and delicacies—all reflected the city's master's joyous mood.

This was Jiang Mingyu's first victory banquet since his eastern campaign triumph and his formal entry into Jizhou City.

A tall wooden stage had been erected before the palace, where Jiang Mingyu and his civil and military officials sat, cups clinking, laughter ringing.

Jiang Mingyu raised his golden bowl toward the crowds gazing up from afar and declared loudly: "To my loyal subjects! Jizhou City now begins a new era of prosperity and strength!"

The people responded with heartfelt gratitude, chanting "Hail the Emperor!" for a long time. Jiang Mingyu felt a surge of pride and satisfaction, and couldn't help but smile warmly.

Tukesulu sat to the right of the main seat, clinking cups with Jiang Mingyu now and then, teasing him loudly, making them both roar with laughter. Zhang Jiani wore a luxurious brocade gown, sipping wine while listening intently to the reports of the court ministers beside her.

After several rounds of drinking, Jiang Mingyu began to feel the effects of alcohol. He squinted around, seeking a quiet place to rest. Then the scene shifted—he saw Liu Yifei, dressed in a pale purple qipao, standing beside a gentle stream, waving at him with a melancholy gaze.

Jiang Mingyu involuntarily stepped toward her—when suddenly, a heavy weight pressed onto his shoulder: it was Tukesulu, utterly drunk, clinging to him!

"Your... Your Majesty! What a glorious night! Come, let's drink three more rounds!" Tukesulu slurred. Jiang Mingyu turned toward the direction he'd just seen—Liu Yifei was gone, leaving only an empty corridor, dim yellow lantern light casting mottled shadows on the ground.

A pang of sorrow struck Jiang Mingyu's heart, yet he understood: reality and memory were separate. He slapped Tukesulu's shoulder hard and shouted: "Fine! Let's drink till dawn! Tonight belongs to victory, to Jizhou City, and to us old friends who've wandered far too long!"

The two staggered back to the banquet, clinking cups with officers and soldiers, laughing and chatting. The entire city lit up with joy; the people's hearts were with them, and the victory feast lasted until dawn.

After the banquet ended and Jiang Mingyu fell into a drunken sleep, he had a strange dream.

In his dream, Jiang Mingyu wandered through mist, faintly seeing a blurred figure ahead. As he drew closer, it was Mo Jiaqi—long missing!

Jiang Mingyu widened his eyes, scanning her. Mo Jiaqi wore a pale purple long dress, a red sash wrapped around her waist, a strange pointed soft cap atop her head, and red silk boots with upturned toes. The outfit was strikingly beautiful yet bizarre—Jiang Mingyu couldn't immediately recognize her.

"Jiaqi, what's this attire? Where have you been all this time?" Jiang Mingyu stared at her, suspicious.

Mo Jiaqi's face was expressionless, her eyes cold as a serpent's. She stepped closer to Jiang Mingyu, her voice sharp:

"Jiang Mingyu, if you hadn't been obsessed with those women, I wouldn't have ended up like this! I demand blood for blood—your people and you shall pay!"

Jiang Mingyu's heart tightened; he opened his mouth to speak—when Mo Jiaqi's sword pressed against his throat! He stepped back, enraged:

"Jiaqi, what are you doing? Put down your weapon! My subjects have done you no harm!"

Mo Jiaqi's face turned ashen as she advanced step by step: "Just wait. I'll make you pay. Without my consent, you'll never know peace!"

Jiang Mingyu was filled with terror, about to shout—when Mo Jiaqi suddenly dissolved into a wisp of wind, vanishing without a trace...

Jiang Mingyu awoke, the dream's scene still echoing in his mind.

He rubbed his temples; Mo Jiaqi's venomous, resentful expression still haunted his vision—so vivid it sent chills down his spine.

"Jiaqi... what happened to you?" he murmured, his voice trembling with confusion and dread.

At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. Jiang Mingyu startled, instinctively reaching for the sword beside his pillow.

"Who is it!" he barked.

A clear voice echoed from outside: "Report! Your humble servant Tukesulu presents himself to Your Majesty!"

Jiang Mingyu relaxed. He straightened his robes, steadied his emotions, and said: "Enter."

Tukesulu looked frantic, sweat faintly glistening on his soft features.

"Big Brother, quick—look at this urgent report from the Chancellor."

He hastily handed Jiang Mingyu the urgent message sent by Zhuge Yu.

Jiang Mingyu gripped Zhuge Yu's report, his knuckles whitening from the pressure. The ink on the paper was smudged, the characters hastily written and messy—but the shocking content stood out clearly: Western Xia had suddenly broken faith, slaughtering the entire Da Jiang diplomatic delegation.

Jiang Mingyu could not comprehend what had happened. The two nations had already reached a mutual agreement—why had King Tuoba Jiqian suddenly turned ruthless and murdered the envoys?

"Big Brother, this is too strange," Tukesulu said, equally baffled, frantically ruffling his short hair.

Jiang Mingyu studied the letter, muttering: "Without Ge Yangyu to hold the line, the stubborn Tuoba Jiqian would seize this chance. We must prepare in advance."

He waved his hand and ordered: "Immediately summon Li Goudan—he must return with 600, 00 troops to Jincheng! Other fronts are to be secured by Lao Huarong and Kuang Boya."

Tukesulu bowed and hurried off. Jiang Mingyu gazed out the window at the rising morning sun, his eyes glinting with cold fury: "Tuoba Jiqian—you dare kill my Da Jiang envoys? This debt, I will settle with you, slowly and thoroughly."