Chapter 318: Conspiracy in the Ice and Snow

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was about to deal with the prisoners when a soldier ran over to report: "The scouts have returned! They are waiting outside for an audience." A flicker of excitement passed through Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes; he nodded and ordered, "Bring him in quickly." He remembered that, in order to probe the true state of Western Xia, he had dispatched numerous scouts to infiltrate the front lines.

Moments later, a scout clad in a thick down jacket hurried forward, panting, and knelt to report: "Reporting to Your Majesty, your subordinate has, by order, scouted over three hundred li ahead. Except for a few villagers, there is almost no one. After Western Xia entered winter, the people rarely go out, storing grain to endure the hardship."

As for this down jacket, it was "invented" by Liu Liu Yifei specifically for the army's campaign against Western Xia.

With the help of this item, the One Da Jiang soldiers, whose limbs were exceptionally agile, naturally had no fear of the Western Xia people whose hands and feet would freeze numb.

Regarding this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, a modern person who had traveled through time, could not help but feel secretly ashamed.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand to let him rise and asked with keen interest: "With the cold of winter setting in, have the Western Xia soldiers also ceased their garrison duties and slackened their training?"

The scout respectfully answered: "Precisely so. Except for the border fortresses, the defenses in every city are empty. The climate is harsh; no one wishes to suffer and go out."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood deeply upon hearing this, turned to Tu Tu Kesiluo, and smiled: "Do you count this as heaven aiding us? Western Xia is completely off guard; we can take the opportunity to launch a surprise attack."

Tu Tu Kesiluo clenched his fist heavily and responded: "Brother's words are correct! The weather cuts like a knife against Western Xia but favors our One Da Jiang. Let us spur our horses and strike straight for Yingyuan!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered the scout to withdraw, then spoke seriously to the generals: "Western Xia's negligence is now obvious. But we must not be the slightest bit overconfident; we must still advance with vigilance."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in approval and immediately ordered a messenger to urge the army to speed up their march. At this moment, Yang Wu, the deputy officer in charge of grain and logistics, walked forward with deep worry and cautiously asked: "Your Highness, with such blizzard and freezing cold, the soldiers' march is arduous; may we rest here for a while?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu patted his shoulder understandingly and said with deep earnestness: "I understand your concerns, but the current situation is critical; this battle concerns life and death. We must surely defeat Western Xia; the first condition is high morale and firm steps. Even if the environment is harsh, please encourage them greatly to ensure the army is fierce as wolves and tigers."

Yang Wu immediately accepted the order; at this time, the other generals also one by one expressed that they would certainly not fail the trust and would serve with loyalty unto death. The scene was filled with boiling blood, and morale soared to an unprecedented height. Thus, the army bravely advanced westward into the snowstorm toward Western Xia.

Upon reaching a mountain ridge, while Jiang Jiang Mingyu was riding to inspect the troops, he suddenly saw a figure flash past behind a thicket. His expression changed slightly; he immediately galloped resolutely toward that spot, and the cavalry followed closely behind. But when they arrived, there was only a frozen woodcutter lying on the ground, his axe still stuck beside a tree stump.

Deputy officer Yang Wu let out a long breath and exclaimed: "So it was a woodcutter who met with misfortune; Your Majesty is indeed exceptionally vigilant." But Jiang Jiang Mingyu still frowned deeply in thought, his face faintly revealing severity and worry. He suddenly discovered a piece of paper on the woodcutter's body, on which several characters were written: 'Secret Order from Western Xia Wang Fu: One Da Jiang army has arrived; prepare for battle immediately.' Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart gave a start; could Western Xia already know of their movements? How was this leaked? He quickly tucked away the paper and whispered to Yang Wu: "There is a problem here; we must return to camp immediately, notify everyone to heighten vigilance; there may be an ambush." Yang Wu was also startled upon hearing this and quickly nodded in agreement. The two hurriedly mounted their horses and led the cavalry back to the main army. What they did not know was that the figure behind the thicket was a secret agent of Western Xia; he had already, while they were not paying attention, quietly escaped to report to the main force of Western Xia...

After a few days, Tu Tu Kesiluo strode into the tent with long, swift steps; he saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu studying a map with intense concentration and asked indifferently without turning his head: "What is it?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo quickly reported: "Reporting to Your Highness, several scouts have returned covered in dust, reporting that for several days ahead there has been no trace of Western Xia troops; they have vanished without a sound as if evaporated from the human world." Having spoken, he stepped forward a few paces, crossed his arms, and looked on guard, as if guessing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned around, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, and the corner of his mouth curled into a cold smile. He did not believe the Western Xia people would be so cowardly; there must be some conspiracy or trickery. He deliberately remained expressionless, wanting to test Tu Tu Kesiluo's insight.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly: "This is too bizarre; what do you think?" He knew deep down that Western Xia must have a conspiracy and wanted to test Tu Tu Kesiluo's insight.

Tu Tu Kesiluo thought seriously for a moment and slowly analyzed: "Your subordinate believes first that due to the cold, the Western Xia people had to cease business and hoard supplies. Secondly, since we have won victory after victory, they have suffered countless casualties and also need time to adjust their morale." He spoke with reason and evidence, appearing very loyal and intelligent.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly: "Is this good or bad for our army?" He watched coldly from the sidelines, waiting for Tu Tu Kesiluo's response.

Tu Tu Kesiluo scratched his head, somewhat troubled: "This matter is indeed advantageous, but since Western Xia stays deep within and rarely goes out, attacking the cities will likely be even harder." After thinking it over, he still shook his head and respectfully asked: "Your Highness, do you know the reason behind this?" He was full of admiration and curiosity for Jiang Jiang Mingyu and wanted to know his high opinion.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly and answered seriously: "Our army has penetrated into another's territory; we must not be overconfident. What is the most important thing in seeking victory? Do you know?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo was stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up as if remembering something: "Naturally, the transport of grain and supplies! It concerns the life and death of our army!" He suddenly understood clearly; it turned out Jiang Jiang Mingyu had already seen through Western Xia's weakness, and he could not help but admire him greatly.

Tu Tu Kesiluo, having suddenly understood, blurted out: "This is simple; spread rumors to lure them into seizing our grain supplies! Then lead them into a decisive battle; we will surely achieve a great victory!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed loudly and patted his shoulder affectionately: "Exactly so! What I am currently worried about is that they will not leave their homes!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo, full of confidence, promised Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "You can rest assured about this; watch me!" He hurriedly left to make arrangements.

At this time, deputy officer Yang Wu also came to report; Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked him: "Has the army's grain transport encountered obstacles?" Yang Wu quickly denied it, and only then did Jiang Jiang Mingyu feel relieved. He had already formulated a countermeasure in his mind, waiting only for Western Xia to take the bait so he could annihilate them in one stroke!

That night, Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood alone on the edge of a high cliff gazing out; in the distance, the lights of ten thousand homes reflected against the sky full of flying snow. This scenery was peaceful and harmonious, reminding him of the days in Shangmu when he and Liu Liu Yifei and old friends chatted happily. How long will this campaign last? With such vast territory, can Western Xia truly be completely gathered into our grasp?

Ten days later, Tu Tu Kesiluo suddenly arrived before Jiang Jiang Mingyu covered in dust and blurted out: "Brother, our army will soon reach the walls of Yingyuan City! But from Shangmu to here, a long two or three thousand li, the ground is frozen and the weather is cold; grain transport has become extremely difficult!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned and asked: "What are the specific circumstances? Will the grain supplies be exhausted?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded heavily and detailed with deep worry: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the grain transport has been a long and arduous journey; not to mention the heavy losses along the way, simply speaking of the reserves arriving at the main camp, if six tenths remain, that is already no small feat. If this continues, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Fang Hang, standing nearby, also quickly agreed: "Your Majesty, we anticipate that grain supplies will become a major problem; we must find a way to solve it as soon as possible!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, then raised his eyes to look at the two: "What you say is reasonable. Then I ask you, how should we respond at such a critical juncture? I wish to hear the details."

Tu Tu Kesiluo responded first: "Your subordinate believes the most urgent matter now is to seize the Western Xia army's grain supplies! This will not only relieve the immediate crisis but also boost morale."

Fang Hang agreed repeatedly: "Absolutely! Although our main army is powerful, logistics and transport are a fatal weakness. This plan will allow our army to take control of Western Xia's grain supplies, achieving two goals with one move!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly and changed the subject: "What you have thought of is good, but my greatest purpose on this journey is to capture the Western Xia's Yuan Yi alive. Exposing the army's strength has always been a great taboo in military strategy!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals showed expressions of sudden understanding. Jiang Jiang Mingyu continued: "At present, the entire Western Xia territory is on high alert; we cannot overcome them directly. Therefore, luring the snake out of its hole is the best strategy..."

Tu Tu Kesiluo exclaimed: "Could it be that Your Highness intends to let the enemy army plunder our grain supplies! It is good to be prepared!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled without speaking, and everyone nodded in understanding. With the secret plan set, the army immediately organized and marched west, waiting for Western Xia to take the bait.